Pair Of Fo Dogs, China, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century.

Magnificent pair of Chinese Buddhist lions, also known as Foo dogs (Fo,Fu). Entirely in wood, with red polychrome lacquer. The lions hold balls bearing the image of the flower of life under their paws. They rest on imposing wooden pedestals with carved ornamental friezes. The lions are represented in an idealized manner, with a strong decorative tendency.

Height 49.5 and 49 cm.

China, Qing dynasty, 19th century.

Good state of conservation, loss of polychromy and signs of age.

In Chinese, "Fo" meant Buddha, and lions are therefore Buddha's dogs. Traditionally in China, the pair of lions were placed in front of Buddhist temples and, later, in front of imperial palaces or important state buildings. The lion was introduced into Chinese culture from India during the Han dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD). The Chinese did not know exactly what this animal looked like, which did not live in their country. This is why carved lions somewhat resembled dogs, and the way they were depicted became "normalized" during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The sculptures were believed to protect the livestock and their guests from any evil powers.

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