Sculpture, Foo Dogs - 32 cm - Ceramic

A pair of Chinese porcelain 'Foo Dogs' or Temple Lion Dogs.

In excellent condition. No damages at all.

Fu (or Foo) Dogs, also know as lion dogs, have been represented in Chinese art for more than two thousand years, tracing their symbolic importance back to the spread of Buddhism. The lion is a sacred animal in Buddhism, and when the faith spread to China the lion was adopted as the defender of the law and protector of sacred buildings.
The Chinese 'Fu' means 'happiness' further associating these little dogs with good furtune and joy.
Traditionally Fu Dogs are depicted in pairs, a male and a female, with the male resting his paw on a globe and the female resting her paw on a sleeping pup or cub.

The figures are invested with great symbolism, the male figure generally representing the guardian spirit and the female the maternal nature.

Circa 1970.

Height: app. 32.5 cm / 12.8 inch
Width: app. 12.0 cm / 4.0 inch