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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Japanese ceramic temple dog figure character marks to base,…

Japanese Ceramic Temple Dog Figure with Character Marks

Japanese ceramic temple dog figure character marks to base, height 21 cm

Oriental carved hardstone temple dog 5.5 cm, high

Carved Oriental Hardstone Temple Dog Miniature

Oriental carved hardstone temple dog 5.5 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

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

Chinese bronze temple dog opium paperweight H5 cm approx

Chinese Bronze Temple Dog Opium Weight

Chinese bronze temple dog opium paperweight H5 cm approx

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

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.

Pair Chinese carved soapstone seals carved temple dog finials,…

Chinese Soapstone Seals with Temple Dog Finials

Pair Chinese carved soapstone seals carved temple dog finials, inscribed character marks to side of each, height 5 cm, each.

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)

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

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

Carved soapstone Foo dog, 15 cm high,

15cm Soapstone Foo Dog Statue

Carved soapstone Foo dog, 15 cm high,

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.

Chinese glazed pottery Foo dog 25 cm high

Chinese Glazed Pottery Foo Dog Statue - 25cm High

Chinese glazed pottery Foo dog 25 cm high

Pair of Chinese glazed pottery Foo dogs 18 cm high

Chinese Glazed Pottery Foo Dogs - 18cm Height

Pair of Chinese glazed pottery Foo dogs 18 cm high

Chinese glazed pottery foo dog figure height 32 cm

32cm Chinese Glazed Pottery Foo Dog Figure

Chinese glazed pottery foo dog figure height 32 cm

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

A famille verte Chinese dish featuring Foo dog and bird,…

Famille Verte Foo Dog and Bird Dish - 31cm

A famille verte Chinese dish featuring Foo dog and bird, diameter 31 cm

Three stone Chinese dog of Fo seals

Three Fo Dogs: Ancient Chinese Seal Collection

Three stone Chinese dog of Fo seals

Chinese style crackle glazed pottery Foo dog signed S. Cleghorn,…

Crackle Glazed Chinese Foo Dog Pottery by S. Cleghorn

Chinese style crackle glazed pottery Foo dog signed S. Cleghorn, 29 cm long, 20 cm high, small chips to back legs

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)

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)

Hardstone carving of a temple dog

Temple Dog Hardstone Carving

Hardstone carving of a temple dog

Oriental brass Fo dog incense burner

Brass Fu Dog Incense Burner

Oriental brass Fo dog incense burner

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

Pair of Chinese blue glazed pottery temple dogs 15.5 cm high

Chinese Blue Glazed Pottery Temple Dogs Pair

Pair of Chinese blue glazed pottery temple dogs 15.5 cm high

Chinese art glass chop, of rectangular form, with finial in…

Orange Dog of Fo Art Glass Chop

Chinese art glass chop, of rectangular form, with finial in form of dog of fo and baby, in tones of orange, signed, dated and numbered to base, 13 cm x 7.5 cm x 5.5 cm

Antique Japanese stained ivory temple dog Okimono,

Stained Ivory Japanese Temple Dog Okimono

Antique Japanese stained ivory temple dog Okimono,

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

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

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)

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

Two Chinese hardstone temple dogs 20th century. Height 13 cm

Chinese Temple Dogs, 20th Century, 13cm

Two Chinese hardstone temple dogs 20th century. Height 13 cm

Chinese bronze dog of foo figure, 14 cm high

Bronze Foo Dog Figure - 14cm

Chinese bronze dog of foo figure, 14 cm high

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)

Pair Chinese blue ceramic Temple Dog figures height 16 cm each.

Pair of 16cm Chinese Blue Temple Dogs

Pair Chinese blue ceramic Temple Dog figures height 16 cm each.

Pair Chinese ceramic temple dog figures height 25 cm, each.

Chinese Temple Dog Ceramic Figures - 25cm Height Pair

Pair Chinese ceramic temple dog figures height 25 cm, each.

Japanese carved ivory Foo dog netsuke height 4 cm

Japanese Ivory Foo Dog Netsuke - 4cm Height

Japanese carved ivory Foo dog netsuke height 4 cm

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

Chinese Ming Dynasty blue and white jarlet, of baluster form,…

Ming Blue & White Dog Jarlet

Chinese Ming Dynasty blue and white jarlet, of baluster form, decorated with dogs of fo and ribboned motifs, raised on circular foot, height 7 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

Pair of Chinese carved soap stone Foo dogs 17 cm high, one has…

Chinese Soapstone Foo Dogs with Chip

Pair of Chinese carved soap stone Foo dogs 17 cm high, one has chipped bottom corner

Pair Chinese gilded carved wood temple lions each carved wood…

Chinese Gilded Carved Wood Temple Lions (Pair)

Pair Chinese gilded carved wood temple lions each carved wood temple lion figure on a wood base, height 20 cm, total each.

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 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

A pair of Chinese carved stone Foo dogs and two soapstone…

Chinese Stone Foo Dogs and Soapstone Carvings Set

A pair of Chinese carved stone Foo dogs and two soapstone carvings, 20th century, (4 items), the Foo dogs 16 cm high

Two opposite pairs of soapstone dogs of fo, both pairs in…

Mottled Grey Soapstone Dog Pairs with Traditional Pose

Two opposite pairs of soapstone dogs of fo, both pairs in mottled grey stone and of typical stylised, seated form and affecting a traditional pose, one with its paw upon a ball, the companion, with its paw upon a pup, one pair on timber stands, height 16…

Six Miscellaneous Chinese jade items, comprising a pair of…

Assorted Chinese Jade Items

Six Miscellaneous Chinese jade items, comprising a pair of miniature chalices, a pair of white jade cylindrical, seals with dog of fo finials, an archaic style buckle, and a quaint carved, figural 'Character' jug, height 6.5 cm (cups)

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 pair of Chinese carved jade foo dogs, each modelled seated…

Chinese carved jade foo dogs, 9.5 cm

A pair of Chinese carved jade foo dogs, each modelled seated with a forepaw raised on a ball or a pup, height 9.5 cm excl. stands

Signed ivory netsuke, of standing temple dog

Standing Temple Dog Netsuke

Signed ivory netsuke, of standing temple dog

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

Collection Chinese snuff bottles & souvenir pieces a total of…

Chinese Snuff Bottles & Souvenir Carvings Collection

Collection Chinese snuff bottles & souvenir pieces a total of approximately 14 pieces, including: 10 various snuff bottles, and 4 carved souvenir pieces, including 2 temple dogs.

A Japanese ivory netsuke of a Foo dog. Taisho period, 1920s,…

Taisho Ivory Foo Dog Netsuke

A Japanese ivory netsuke of a Foo dog. Taisho period, 1920s, the carved ivory netsuke of an archaic Chinese dog of Foo seated with his huge tail fanned out across his back, unsigned. Width 4.5 cm

A pair of Chinese turquoise glazed foo dogs, H.20 cm.

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Foo Dogs (H.20cm)

A pair of Chinese turquoise glazed foo dogs, H.20 cm.

Chinese carved jade temple dog figure, height 5 cm

Carved Jade Temple Dog Figure - 5cm Height

Chinese carved jade temple dog figure, height 5 cm

Pair Chinese white ceramic Foo Dogs (Height 8 cm approx, each.

Chinese White Ceramic Foo Dogs - Pair

Pair Chinese white ceramic Foo Dogs (Height 8 cm approx, each.

Chinese jade carving of a duck, depicted with lotus branch in…

Lotus-Bearing Jade Duck Carving

Chinese jade carving of a duck, depicted with lotus branch in mouth in tones fo white, a/f, length 3.5 cm

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

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 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

Two carved stone Chinese temple lions, modelled in crouching…

Pair of Chinese Temple Lion Carvings

Two carved stone Chinese temple lions, modelled in crouching stance on plinth bases, height 23.5 cm.

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

Netsuke of temple dog and ball

Temple Dog Netsuke with Ball

Netsuke of temple dog and ball

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining temple dog

Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining temple dog

A pair of larger blue glazed Chinese foo lions, height 31.5 cm

A pair of larger blue glazed Chinese foo lions, height 31.5 cm

19th century Chinese bronze Dog of Fo pen holder

Chinese bronze Dog of Fo pen holder

19th century Chinese bronze Dog of Fo pen holder

Pair Chinese carved temple dog figures each carved on hardstone…

Chinese Carved Temple Dog Figures on Hardstone Blocks

Pair Chinese carved temple dog figures each carved on hardstone block, with character marks to base. On fitted wooden stands, height 18 cm, total, each).

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,…

A Chinese gilt bronze incense burner, squat circular raised on…

Chinese Gilt Bronze Incense Burner with Lion Dog Handles

A Chinese gilt bronze incense burner, squat circular raised on three legs, two lion dog side handles, the pierced dome cover surmounted by a seated temple dog. Height 20.5 cm

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 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

Two blanc de chine figures of fo dogs, Qing Dynasty, 18th…

18th Century Blanc de Chine Fo Dogs

Two blanc de chine figures of fo dogs, Qing Dynasty, 18th century, the near pair of kylins depicting male and female guardian lions, each seated on a high, hollow, rectangular plinth, with head raised and jaws clenched on a long ribbon, and cylindrical…

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

A pair of Chinese turquoise glazed foo dogs, the opposing pair…

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Foo Dogs Pair

A pair of Chinese turquoise glazed foo dogs, the opposing pair in traditional pose on block bases. Impressed and printed marks to base, height 25.5 cm.

Chinese late Qing Dynasty blue and white dish, with spreading…

Late Qing Dynasty Blue and White Dog of Fo Dish

Chinese late Qing Dynasty blue and white dish, with spreading lip, decorated with dog of fo, on a circular foot, with six character mark to base, diameter 9 cm. Provenance: collected Japan 1997-2003, then private collection, gold coast

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 Chinese blue glazed pottery Foo dogs height 30 cm.

Chinese Blue Glazed Pottery Foo Dogs (30cm)

Pair of Chinese blue glazed pottery Foo dogs height 30 cm.

Pair of Chinese blue glazed pottery Foo dogs 31 cm high

Chinese Blue Glazed Pottery Foo Dogs Pair - 31cm

Pair of Chinese blue glazed pottery Foo dogs 31 cm high

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 Chinese carved wood lion Foo guardian dog and cub with a…

Chinese Carved Wood Lion Foo Guardian Dog with Cub

A Chinese carved wood lion Foo guardian dog and cub with a brocade ball, standing on a rocky outcrop with glass eyes and bone teeth, 26 cm

Early carved ivory Foo dog on ball netsuke C1920, signed to…

Carved Ivory Foo Dog Netsuke, Signed (1920)

Early carved ivory Foo dog on ball netsuke C1920, signed to base, height 7.5 cm.

An impressive pair of Chinese jade stone lion dogs, in grey &…

Chinese Jade Lion Dogs on Yellow Plinths

An impressive pair of Chinese jade stone lion dogs, in grey & seated on yellow Plinths, mid 20th century. Provenance: The Residual of the Hutcheon's Estate. The Hutcheons lived in Shanghai & Hong Kong in the early & mid 20th century before moving to…

A large Japanese 19th century bronze shishi incense burner, the…

Japanese Bronze Shishi Incense Burner

A large Japanese 19th century bronze shishi incense burner, the temple dog with head turned to the left, an open cavity to its back, length 34 cm

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 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

A pair of blue glazed Chinese temple dogs, height 42 cm

Blue Glazed Chinese Temple Dogs (42cm)

A pair of blue glazed Chinese temple dogs, height 42 cm

Pair of Tang style Sancai temple lions, 34 cm x 29 cm x 29 cm…

Sancai Temple Lions Pair

Pair of Tang style Sancai temple lions, 34 cm x 29 cm x 29 cm some slight wear including chips etc

Oriental bronze lidded incense burner in form of Dog of Fo

Bronze Dog of Fo Incense Burner with Lid

Oriental bronze lidded incense burner in form of Dog of Fo

Chinese bronze Fo dog handle, 18th/19th century, 11 cm long

Chinese Bronze Fo Dog Handle, 18th/19th Century

Chinese bronze Fo dog handle, 18th/19th century, 11 cm long

An opposite pair of jade dogs of fo, in rich mottled green…

Pair of Jade Dogs on Stands

An opposite pair of jade dogs of fo, in rich mottled green colours and of typical stylised and seated form with tightly coiled fur, one with its paw upon a ball, the companion with its paw, upon a pup, raised on pierced wooden cushion stands, height 19.5…

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

A small Chinese bronze foo dog, in traditional pose. 15 x 10 cm.

Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Sculpture

A small Chinese bronze foo dog, in traditional pose. 15 x 10 cm.

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

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

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.