Chinese foo dogs, also known as Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lions, are a traditional mythical symbol of protection in Chinese culture. They are usually made as pairs and the male is depicted as a lion with a ball, while the female has a cub under its paw. They are often placed at the entrance of homes, temples, and government buildings. The origins of the foo dog can be traced back to ancient China, where they were believed to have protective powers. They were also used in imperial palaces, tombs, and government buildings. They were also used as a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. Over time, the foo dog has become a popular decorative item and a symbol of Chinese culture.
The Japanese equivilent is "shi shi".

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A pair of famille-vert biscuit figures of dogs of Fo, Chinese,…

Famille-vert Biscuit Dog Figures, 19th Century

A pair of famille-vert biscuit figures of dogs of Fo, Chinese, 19th century. 15 cm high

Pair Chinese green jade dogs of Fo. Height 5 cm each

Green Jade Fo Dogs Pair - 5cm Height

Pair Chinese green jade dogs of Fo. Height 5 cm each

A Chinese Foo patinated bronze dog, 20th century. Height 15.5 cm

Patinated Bronze Chinese Foo Dog, 20th Century

A Chinese Foo patinated bronze dog, 20th century. Height 15.5 cm

Chinese rouge marble dog of fo with some losses. Dimensions 113…

Rouge Marble Dog of Fo - 113 x 66 cm

Chinese rouge marble dog of fo with some losses. Dimensions 113 x 66 cm

A pair of foo dog figurines in bright turquoise blue. 8.5 x 30…

Turquoise Foo Dog Figurines - 8.5 x 30 cm

A pair of foo dog figurines in bright turquoise blue. 8.5 x 30 cm

Three stone Chinese dog of Fo seals

Three Fo Dogs: Ancient Chinese Seal Collection

Three stone Chinese dog of Fo seals

A large inside painted glass snuff bottle with bronze Fo dog…

Inside Painted Glass Snuff Bottle with Fo Dog Finial

A large inside painted glass snuff bottle with bronze Fo dog finial / 19th / 20th century, / signed hand painted a Buddhist figurative scene to front and further imagery and calligraphy verso signed to front inside 12 cm high

A pair of Chinese dogs of Fo white glazed,modern, 27 cm high

Modern White Glazed Chinese Fo Dogs, 27cm High

A pair of Chinese dogs of Fo white glazed,modern, 27 cm high

A Chinese lidded bronze incense burner with champleve enamel…

Chinese Bronze Incense Burner with Champleve Enamel Decoration

A Chinese lidded bronze incense burner with champleve enamel decoration, dragon handles and foo dog finial. Height 18 cm

A Chinese turquoise/blue glazed seated foo dog, head turned to…

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Seated Foo Dog with Pup

A Chinese turquoise/blue glazed seated foo dog, head turned to his right, a pup under his right paw, raised on a rectangular block base with triangular and restrained scroll decoration. Height 36 cm

Chinese carved stone Foo lion 9.5 cm high

Carved Chinese Foo Lion Statue - 9.5cm

Chinese carved stone Foo lion 9.5 cm high

Netsuke: Japanese carved ivory monkey & (2) temple lions all…

Meiji Ivory Monkey and Temple Lions Netsuke Set

Netsuke: Japanese carved ivory monkey & (2) temple lions all with makers marks. Late Meiji, excellent condition (3 items)

Japanese bronze incense burner of two fo dogs fighting, height…

Japanese Bronze Fighting Fo Dogs Incense Burner

Japanese bronze incense burner of two fo dogs fighting, height 15 cm

A fine pair of Chinese ivory Fo dogs, possibly late Qing…

Chinese Ivory Fo Dogs, Late Qing Dynasty

A fine pair of Chinese ivory Fo dogs, possibly late Qing Dynasty, carved and engraved in the traditional manner, the lion dogs with fierce expressions, curled manes, and extravagant fan like tails, both seated, one with its paw upon a ball, the other with…

Pair of Chinese painted ivory foo dogs (2), height 8 cm.…

Chinese Painted Ivory Foo Dogs (Pair)

Pair of Chinese painted ivory foo dogs (2), height 8 cm. Provenance: Property of a Lady, NSW

Pair of Chinese carved emerald quartz foo dogs on wooden stands…

Chinese Carved Emerald Quartz Foo Dogs on Stands (Pair)

Pair of Chinese carved emerald quartz foo dogs on wooden stands (2), height 20 cm. Provenance: Orlando Brown Collection, Mosman

A Chinese white jade Fo dog carving, pierced and carved in…

White Jade Walking Fo Dog with Bat

A Chinese white jade Fo dog carving, pierced and carved in traditional style and depicting a walking of dog with a spread winged bat upon its back. Height 5 cm. Width 6.5 cm. Depth 3.5 cm.

A pair of Chinese agate seals, in cream and ochre agate, the…

Chinese Agate Lion Dog Seals

A pair of Chinese agate seals, in cream and ochre agate, the plinth style seals surmounted with pierced and carved grimacing lion dogs, each with its front paw on a ball. Height 8 cm

A pair of fine old Chinese ivory carvings of temple lion dogs,…

Chinese Ivory Temple Lion Dog Carvings

A pair of fine old Chinese ivory carvings of temple lion dogs, each modelled in fearsome pose, seated upon a double lotus plinth, each with a captured ball in their mouths, their shoulders draped with a collar supporting tassels and bells, the male's…

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining temple dog

Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining temple dog

A Chinese bronze water Dropper in the antique manner, in the…

Chinese Bronze Trumpet Water Dropper

A Chinese bronze water Dropper in the antique manner, in the form of a trumpet bell with a broad spreading base having a long slender engraved spout and an applied 'C' shaped handle, the small lid with a dog of fo finial, the body decorated with vertical…

A pair of antique carved, ivory temple lions. Provenance:…

Antique Ivory Temple Lions from Lammert Bros Auctioneers

A pair of antique carved, ivory temple lions. Provenance: Lammert Bros, Auctioneers, Hong Kong

Pair of Large Chinese carved stone Foo dogs, 44 x 28 cm, 69 cm…

Large Chinese Carved Stone Foo Dogs Pair

Pair of Large Chinese carved stone Foo dogs, 44 x 28 cm, 69 cm high approx

A Chinese pottery temple dog and pup. 22 cm long

Chinese Pottery Temple Dog and Pup

A Chinese pottery temple dog and pup. 22 cm long

A Japanese ivory netsuke. First half 20th century. Finely…

Jovial Man with Child and Temple Dog Netsuke

A Japanese ivory netsuke. First half 20th century. Finely carved, engraved and inked, depicting a jovial man with a bundle or implement over his shoulder and a small child hugging a temple dog at his feet; inscribed signature in red underside. Height 5 cm

A large imperial cast and repousse gilt bronze figure of Buddha…

Qianlong Period Gilt Bronze Buddha Figure

A large imperial cast and repousse gilt bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, Qianlong seven character mark and of the period, 18th century, 'Respectfully made in the Qianlong period of the Great Qing Dynasty', seated in Dhyanasana, the hands in…

Large Imperial cast & repousse gilt bronze Buddha Shakyamuni…

Large Gilt Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni, Qianlong Period (18th C.)

Large Imperial cast & repousse gilt bronze Buddha Shakyamuni Qianlong mark and of the period 18th century. Mark reads 'Respectfully Made in the Qianlong Period of the Great Qing Dynasty' the figure seated in Dhyanasana hands in Bhumispharsha mudra with…

Chinese brass sensor with Foo dog, on three legs, with 4…

Chinese Brass Foo Dog Sensor with Mark - 30cm

Chinese brass sensor with Foo dog, on three legs, with 4 character mark to base, 30 cm high approx.

Pair of jade Dogs of Fo on carved stands. Height 17 cm

Jade Dogs of Fo on Carved Stands

Pair of jade Dogs of Fo on carved stands. Height 17 cm

A pair of jade carved figures of temple dogs in the archaistic…

Archaistic Jade Temple Dog Figures on Stands

A pair of jade carved figures of temple dogs in the archaistic manner on fitted stands. Overall height 10 cm

A pair of miniature Chinese silver & enamel foo dogs. Height 6.…

Miniature Chinese Enamel Foo Dogs in Silver

A pair of miniature Chinese silver & enamel foo dogs. Height 6.5 cm

A pair of bronze temple dogs on marble base, the bases…

Bronze Temple Dogs on Marble Base

A pair of bronze temple dogs on marble base, the bases associated, 10 cm high

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha, Qianlong mark and period the…

Qianlong Period Gilt Bronze Buddha Figure

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha, Qianlong mark and period the figure of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in meditative dhyanasana, the right arm lowered in bhumisparsamudra the left in dhyanamudra, wearing a loosely draped robe, the face with gentle expression and…

Pair of Oriental Jadeite temple dogs, with stands, 9 cm high…

Oriental Jadeite Temple Dogs with Stands

Pair of Oriental Jadeite temple dogs, with stands, 9 cm high approx.

Large pair of Chinese Sancai pottery temple dogs, purchased in…

Chinese Sancai Pottery Temple Dogs - 1950s Sydney Purchase

Large pair of Chinese Sancai pottery temple dogs, purchased in Sydney in the 1950's, approx 43 cm high, 41 cm

A pair of Chinese painted cast iron temple lions 74 x 85 cm

Chinese Painted Cast Iron Temple Lions, 74x85cm

A pair of Chinese painted cast iron temple lions 74 x 85 cm

Chinese soapstone carving Qing Dynasty, 19th century, depicting…

Qing Dynasty Soapstone Foo Dogs Carving

Chinese soapstone carving Qing Dynasty, 19th century, depicting four Foo dogs playing with ball, retains decal label 'David HO Oriental Art', inscribed mark to underside. Height 10.5 cm

Pair of Chinese bronze foo dogs 13 cm high

Chinese Bronze Foo Dogs Pair - 13cm Height

Pair of Chinese bronze foo dogs 13 cm high

A pair of blanc de chine Fo dogs, modelled as male with globe…

Blanc de Chine Fo Dogs: Male and Female Pair

A pair of blanc de chine Fo dogs, modelled as male with globe and female with cub, 26.5 cm high

Pair of Chinese hardstone dogs of Fo 14 cm

Chinese Hardstone Dogs of Fo Pair (14cm)

Pair of Chinese hardstone dogs of Fo 14 cm

Pair of carved ivory Dogs of Fo

Carved Ivory Dogs of Fo

Pair of carved ivory Dogs of Fo

A pair of Chinese brass temple lion dogs, both raised on plinth…

Chinese Brass Temple Lion Dogs Pair

A pair of Chinese brass temple lion dogs, both raised on plinth bases, the female with fore paw raised on a pup, the male with paw raised on a brocade ball. Height 45 cm

A pair of turquoise glazed Chinese dogs of Fo and gilt metal…

Turquoise Chinese Dogs and Gilt Candlesticks (9 words)

A pair of turquoise glazed Chinese dogs of Fo and gilt metal candlesticks, 19th century. 15 cm high, 22 cm wide, 13 cm deep

A Chinese jade dog of Fo with Pup, in silver grey tones, the…

Jade Dog with Pup Pendant

A Chinese jade dog of Fo with Pup, in silver grey tones, the recumbent but alert dog with a pup upon its back; attached to a red cord. Height 3.5 cm. Width 5.5 cm

A Chinese jade dog of Fo, in creamy jade, the recumbent dog…

Creamy Jade Fo Dog with Ball

A Chinese jade dog of Fo, in creamy jade, the recumbent dog playing with a ball; inscribed characters underside. Height 3.5 cm. Width 5 cm. Depth 6 cm

Pair of large Chinese carved stone temple lions base 27 cm x 40…

Large Chinese Carved Stone Temple Lions Pair

Pair of large Chinese carved stone temple lions base 27 cm x 40 cm, 73 cm high approx.

Small well carved ivory figure of foo dog & young

Ivory Foo Dog and Young: A Small Carved Figure

Small well carved ivory figure of foo dog & young

A pair of Japanese bronze censers with Foo dog finials, Meiji…

Japanese Bronze Censers with Foo Dog Finials (Meiji Period)

A pair of Japanese bronze censers with Foo dog finials, Meiji period. 49 cm high

Kutani pair of lidded pots having four panels of birds &…

Kutani Pair of Bird & Flower Lidded Pots with Foo Dogs

Kutani pair of lidded pots having four panels of birds & flowers, with Foo dog handles & finials, standing on three feet, & with a six character signature to the bases. Condition fair, restoration to one finial, crack to one base. Height of tallest - 42 cm

A pair of Chinese bronze Shishi or lion dogs on separate bronze…

Chinese Bronze Shishi Lion Dogs on Stands

A pair of Chinese bronze Shishi or lion dogs on separate bronze stands. Height 10 cm each

Antique bronze altar incense burner, with Dog of Fo, approx 38…

Antique Dog of Fo Incense Burner

Antique bronze altar incense burner, with Dog of Fo, approx 38 cm high

Oriental silver gilt filigree and enamel Dog of Fo

Silver Enamel Dog of Fo Filigree Statue

Oriental silver gilt filigree and enamel Dog of Fo

Chinese ceramic foo dog, resting on a ball, 24 cm wide, 24 cm…

Resting Chinese Ceramic Foo Dog on Ball, 24 cm

Chinese ceramic foo dog, resting on a ball, 24 cm wide, 24 cm high approx

Chinese Carved soapstone 'Temple Dog' (A/F), approx 13 cm high,…

Chinese Carved Soapstone Temple Dog Sculpture

Chinese Carved soapstone 'Temple Dog' (A/F), approx 13 cm high, 18 cm long

Pair of carved marble Chinese temple dogs, each approx 90 cm…

Carved Marble Chinese Temple Dog Pair

Pair of carved marble Chinese temple dogs, each approx 90 cm high, 34 cm wide, 47 cm deep ( 2)

Chinese soapstone gentleman and temple dog figure on timber…

Chinese Soapstone Gentleman with Temple Dog Figure

Chinese soapstone gentleman and temple dog figure on timber base, height 15 cm approx

Japanese Kutani Koro. Taisho period. Decorated with ships and…

Kutani Koro with European Figures and Temple Dog

Japanese Kutani Koro. Taisho period. Decorated with ships and European figures, raised on four feet decorated with masks, the lid surmounted by a temple dog, mark to base. Height 30 cm. Provenance: Purchased from Kalinka gallery, 2000

Chinese bronze temple dog opium paperweight H5 cm approx

Chinese Bronze Temple Dog Opium Weight

Chinese bronze temple dog opium paperweight H5 cm approx

A vintage pair of Chinese bronze dogs of Fo incense burners,…

Pair of Chinese Bronze Dogs of Fo Incense Burners

A vintage pair of Chinese bronze dogs of Fo incense burners, people's Republic of China era, second half 20th century, the opposite pair of traditionally styled seated dogs, with curled fur and scrolling beards and tails, with a clawed paw raised and both…

A pair of Chinese bronze temple lions. Height 39 cm, bearing…

Chinese Bronze Temple Lions, 39 cm

A pair of Chinese bronze temple lions. Height 39 cm, bearing character marks to base

Vintage Japanese metal incense burner, with twin handles and…

Japanese Metal Incense Burner with Temple Dog Lid

Vintage Japanese metal incense burner, with twin handles and temple dog lid, height 18 cm approx (as inspected)

Antique carved ivory temple dog figure / netsuke, 4 cm high…

Carved Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke

Antique carved ivory temple dog figure / netsuke, 4 cm high approx

Hardstone carving of a temple dog

Temple Dog Hardstone Carving

Hardstone carving of a temple dog

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha Qianlong mark and period, the…

Qianlong Period Buddha Figure with Tibetan Inscriptions

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha Qianlong mark and period, the figure of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in meditative dhyanasana, the right arm lowered in bhumisparsamudra the left in dhyanamudra, wearing a loosely draped robe, the face with gentle expression and…

A pair of emerald glazed earthenware temple dogs, Qing Dynasty,…

Qing Dynasty Emerald Glazed Temple Dogs

A pair of emerald glazed earthenware temple dogs, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. the dogs of fo with tightly coiled hair sitting proudly upon square plinths, each with a moving ball in its mouth, in modulating green glaze with splashes of brown and cream…

A set set of eight graduated square jade seals carved with lion…

Imperial Jade Lion Dog Seals

A set set of eight graduated square jade seals carved with lion dogs, seals Blank, 20th century, opaque & translucent, in all the hues of jade, from pale green to grey. Provenance: Imperial Peking collection, height 7-10 cm

Pair carved soapstone temple dogs

Carved Soapstone Temple Dogs Pair

Pair carved soapstone temple dogs

A Pair of Chinese gilt metal temple lions, 20th century

Chinese Gilt Metal Temple Lions, 20th Century

A Pair of Chinese gilt metal temple lions, 20th century

Pair of antique Chinese carved ivory Foo Dogs, circa 1920s, 5…

Antique Chinese Carved Ivory Foo Dogs (1920s)

Pair of antique Chinese carved ivory Foo Dogs, circa 1920s, 5 cm high approx.

A pair Chinese carved hardstone temple dogs with stands, height:…

Chinese Hardstone Temple Dogs with Stands

A pair Chinese carved hardstone temple dogs with stands, height: 22 cm, length 27 cm

Netsuke of temple dog and ball

Temple Dog Netsuke with Ball

Netsuke of temple dog and ball

Chinese white stone temple dog chop, 7 cm high

7cm Chinese White Stone Temple Dog Chop

Chinese white stone temple dog chop, 7 cm high

A possibly Chinese silver set, comprising pepperette, salt and…

Chinese Silver Set with Pepperette, Salt, and Caster Bottle

A possibly Chinese silver set, comprising pepperette, salt and caster bottle in cylindrical form with vignettes of foo dog, elephant and dragon, weight 135 gm, together with a boxed set of six Chinese silver teaspoons, the handles with marked with script,…

Fine Japanese Meiji period Inro, in five sections, in lacquer,…

Meiji Period Inro with Immortal and Dog of Fo Decoration

Fine Japanese Meiji period Inro, in five sections, in lacquer, beautifully decorated with two immortal to one side and immortal and dog of fo to other, in tones of gilt, 10 cm x 8.5 cm

Good gilt bronze/copper Jambhala seated on dog of Fo, depicted…

Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on Dog of Fo Statue

Good gilt bronze/copper Jambhala seated on dog of Fo, depicted with headdress, with earrings and necklaces, one hand in pose, the other holding mongoose, seated on dog of fo with head turned, raised on a lotus base, with back flame finial, 17 cm x 15 cm…

A fine Chinese jade carving with two lion dogs, the underside…

Qing Dynasty Jade Carving of Lion Dogs and Lotus Leaf

A fine Chinese jade carving with two lion dogs, the underside carved with a lotus leaf, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, skillfully carved to the shape of the pebble in the round, the younger cub lying beside the larger animal and playfully wrestling, well…

Chinese bronze dog of foo figure, 14 cm high

Bronze Foo Dog Figure - 14cm

Chinese bronze dog of foo figure, 14 cm high

Pair of Chinese soapstone temple lions, 15 cm high

Chinese Soapstone Temple Lions - 15cm Pair

Pair of Chinese soapstone temple lions, 15 cm high

A pair of monochrome turquoise glaze dogs of Fo candle holders,…

Turquoise Glaze Fo Dogs Candle Holders

A pair of monochrome turquoise glaze dogs of Fo candle holders, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, the mould cast and carved pottery dogs crouching on their front legs, both with their rear legs in a vertical attitude balancing a studded barrel candle holder,…

Chinese soapstone deity seated on a foo dog figure, height 23 cm

Chinese Soapstone Deity on Foo Dog Figure

Chinese soapstone deity seated on a foo dog figure, height 23 cm

A Japanese ceramic model of a shishi, the temple dog sits, its…

Japanese Ceramic Shishi Temple Dog Statue

A Japanese ceramic model of a shishi, the temple dog sits, its forepaws raised on a large mallet. Height 37 cm

Antique Japanese stained ivory temple dog Okimono,

Stained Ivory Japanese Temple Dog Okimono

Antique Japanese stained ivory temple dog Okimono,

Antique Japanese ivory temple dog netsuke on a ivory…

Japanese Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke on Scenic Base

Antique Japanese ivory temple dog netsuke on a ivory traditional scenic base netsuke, signed to base of temple dog,Height 5 cm approx

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha Qianlong mark and period, the…

Qianlong Period Buddha Figure with Tibetan Inscriptions

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha Qianlong mark and period, the figure of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in meditative dhyanasana, the right arm lowered in bhumisparsamudra, the left in dhyanamudra, wearing loosely draped robes, the face with gentle expression and…

A pale caramel coloured jade carved temple dog, modeled in…

Caramel Jade Temple Dog Sculpture

A pale caramel coloured jade carved temple dog, modeled in prowling stance. Length 15.5 cm

Vintage Chinese silver & enamel neckpiece, enamel dog of fo,…

Enamel Dog of Fo Silver Necklace

Vintage Chinese silver & enamel neckpiece, enamel dog of fo, suspended on silver chain with enamel and semi-precious stones. Character marks verso.

Chinese silver and enamel dogs of Foo with small jade collars…

Enamel Foo Dogs with Jade Collars and Stone Inserts

Chinese silver and enamel dogs of Foo with small jade collars and stone inserts to enamel. Height 9 cm

Fine Japanese 17th century Inro, in five sections, in lacquer,…

17th Century Japanese Inro with Immortal and Dog of Fo

Fine Japanese 17th century Inro, in five sections, in lacquer, beautifully decorated with two immortal to one side and immortal and dog of fo to other, in tones of gilt, 10 x 8.5 cm, purchased: Christies

Near pair Chinese ceramic temple dogs, (1 with restored leg and…

Pair of Chinese Ceramic Temple Dogs

Near pair Chinese ceramic temple dogs, (1 with restored leg and chip to ear). Height 23 cm (taller dog)

Pair Chinese ceramic dog of Fo figures each figures forms lid…

Floral Dish with Pair of Ceramic Dog Fo Lids

Pair Chinese ceramic dog of Fo figures each figures forms lid to floral decorated dish below. Height 15 cm (each)

Early pair Chinese ceramic temple dogs, each dog in seated…

Pair of Chinese Ceramic Temple Dogs

Early pair Chinese ceramic temple dogs, each dog in seated position, (some rim chips to each). Height 12 cm (taller dog)

Chinese enameled glass snuff bottle. Signed and painted with…

Enameled Glass Snuff Bottle with Bird and Fo Dog Stopper

Chinese enameled glass snuff bottle. Signed and painted with bird foraging in a garden. Carved wood Fo dog stopper, height 8 cm

Chinese rock crystal dog of Fo, on wooden base, 8 cm high, 11…

Rock Crystal Dog of Fo on Wooden Base

Chinese rock crystal dog of Fo, on wooden base, 8 cm high, 11 cm wide

Pair of jade dogs of Fo, each 10 cm high (2)

Jade Fo Dogs: Pair of 10cm High Statues

Pair of jade dogs of Fo, each 10 cm high (2)

Pair of Chinese Republic (1912-1949) ivory figures, depicting…

Chinese Republic Ivory Temple Lion Figures

Pair of Chinese Republic (1912-1949) ivory figures, depicting temple lions, male and female, each seated on a plinth and baring their teeth, he with paw on a ball, she with paw on a cub, both signed to base, 19 cm high. Ex: Private collection Sydney