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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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

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

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).

Oriental carved hardstone temple dog 5.5 cm, high

Carved Oriental Hardstone Temple Dog Miniature

Oriental carved hardstone temple dog 5.5 cm, high

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

Oriental brass Fo dog incense burner

Brass Fu Dog Incense Burner

Oriental brass Fo dog incense burner

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.

Good pair Chinese carved marble temple lions each carved temple…

Chinese Carved Marble Temple Lion Pair

Good pair Chinese carved marble temple lions each carved temple lion, on a marble base, height 43 cm approx, each; length 25 cm approx, each.

A pair of rollicking Hirado Shi Shi lion dogs, 20th century,…

Blue and White Hirado Shi Shi Lion Dogs

A pair of rollicking Hirado Shi Shi lion dogs, 20th century, well modelled slip cast blue and white dogs engaged in play fighting, height 14.5 cm width 18.5 cm

Assorted Chinese carved Honan jade figures, 20th century,…

Chinese Honan Jade Carvings (4)

Assorted Chinese carved Honan jade figures, 20th century, comprising an eagle standing on a branch, a lady and a pair of Foo dogs (4), height 19 cm (eagle)

Pair of Chinese blanc de chine Foo dogs, possibly Qing Dynasty,…

Chinese Blanc de Chine Foo Dogs Pair, 18th/19th Century

Pair of Chinese blanc de chine Foo dogs, possibly Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th century, restored, with wooden bases (2), height 13.5 cm

A pair of Chinese rock crystal Foo dogs, Qing Dynasty, 19th…

Qing Dynasty Crystal Foo Dogs on Carved Stands

A pair of Chinese rock crystal Foo dogs, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, on carved and pierced stands, height 14 cm

A very large and decorative pair of early 20th century Foo dogs,…

Blue and White Foo Dogs on Elaborate Plinths

A very large and decorative pair of early 20th century Foo dogs, blue and white painted decoration on elaborate plinths. Minor faults, height 64 cm

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

A rare pair of ormolu mounted Fo dogs, circa 1900, the mirrored…

Rare Pair of Ormolu Mounted Fo Dogs

A rare pair of ormolu mounted Fo dogs, circa 1900, the mirrored pair of blue and white underglazed fo dogs modelled in a seated position, raised on an integral rectangular base within an elaborate floral encrusted ormolu brocage, 43.5 cm high

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.

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

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

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.

Impressive pair of 19th century Chinese famille verte temple…

19th Century Chinese Famille Verte Temple Lions

Impressive pair of 19th century Chinese famille verte temple lions. Provenance: Purchased Webb's auction, October 1993, Estate of Noel & Margaret Dick, originally from the well-known Chinese garden of Mr D Fergusion of Kerikeri. They were sited for many…

Signed ivory netsuke, of standing temple dog

Standing Temple Dog Netsuke

Signed ivory netsuke, of standing temple dog

A pair of Chinese carved ivory xiezhi lion dogs, modelled…

Carved Chinese Ivory Xiezhi Lion Dogs on Waves Base

A pair of Chinese carved ivory xiezhi lion dogs, modelled seated on a two tiered base of crashing waves, with flattened single horns above their whorled manes, their bodies covered in scales, height 16.5 cm excl. stands.

Japanese Satsuma lidded koro decorated with hand painted cherry…

Japanese Satsuma Koro with Cherry Blossoms and Dogs of Fo

Japanese Satsuma lidded koro decorated with hand painted cherry blossoms and chrysanthemum flowers and applied dogs of fo

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

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 pair of old Chinese carved stone temple lion dogs, modelled…

Chinese Carved Stone Temple Lion Dogs on Plinths

A pair of old Chinese carved stone temple lion dogs, modelled seated on cloth draped plinths, each with a forepaw raised, the male's placed upon a sphere, the female upon a pup, height 67 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.

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.

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.

Japanese carved ivory temple dog netsuke (height 5 cm approx). .

Japanese Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke

Japanese carved ivory temple dog netsuke (height 5 cm approx). .

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)

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…

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…

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

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

Five Chinese white jade carvings, in the form of dog of fo,…

Chinese White Jade Carvings of Animals and Fruit

Five Chinese white jade carvings, in the form of dog of fo, fish, fruit and monkey, in tones of white, (5)

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

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

A pair of Chinese carved marble Foo dogs, early to mid 20th…

Chinese Marble Foo Dogs, Mid 20th Century, 52cm High

A pair of Chinese carved marble Foo dogs, early to mid 20th century, 52 cm high

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

A very large ceramic Tang Sancai style figure of guanyin on…

Ceramic Tang Sancai Guanyin on Temple Dog Statue

A very large ceramic Tang Sancai style figure of guanyin on temple dog, height 91 cm, width 70 cm, depth 26 cm

A pair of earthenware Foo dogs, in traditional pose, bright…

Turquoise Earthenware Foo Dogs on Decorative Stands

A pair of earthenware Foo dogs, in traditional pose, bright turquoise, brown and mustard, on highly decorative conforming earthenware stands. Some old glaze chipping. 40 x 25 x 62 cm.

Pair of blanc-de-chine temple dogs, on reticulated rectangular…

Blanc-de-Chine Temple Dogs on Plinths

Pair of blanc-de-chine temple dogs, on reticulated rectangular plinths (2), height 34 cm. Provenance: The Estate of Martyn Cook, Sydney

A Chinese bronze figure of a Foo dog having a partially…

Flecked Patinated Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Figure

A Chinese bronze figure of a Foo dog having a partially 'Flecked' patination length 9.8 cm

Carved soapstone Foo dog, 15 cm high,

15cm Soapstone Foo Dog Statue

Carved soapstone Foo dog, 15 cm high,

Unsigned carved ivory Kuan Yin sitting on fo dog 7.5 cm high,

Carved Ivory Kuan Yin on Fo Dog Statue

Unsigned carved ivory Kuan Yin sitting on fo dog 7.5 cm high,

Pair of gilded Chinese temple dogs on stands, height 36 cm,…

Gilded Chinese Temple Dogs on Stands

Pair of gilded Chinese temple dogs on stands, height 36 cm, width 37 cm, depth 17 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

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 of large Chinese ceramic foo dogs height 50 cm one Foo dog…

Chinese Ceramic Foo Dogs - Pair (One Restored)

Pair of large Chinese ceramic foo dogs height 50 cm one Foo dog restored to ear

Pair of Chinese ceramic Foo dogs height 15 cm

15 cm Chinese Ceramic Foo Dogs Pair

Pair of Chinese ceramic Foo dogs height 15 cm

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

An impressive Chinese teak small mirror-back sideboard,…

Carved Chinese Teak Mirror-Back Sideboard with Foo Dog

An impressive Chinese teak small mirror-back sideboard, extensively carved with Chinese scenes and motifs, the back surmounted by a carved foo dog and eight gambolling pups above a shelf supported by a pair of mandarin figures emblematic of Military and…

Large antique Chinese scroll portrait of guanyin, seated…

Antique Chinese Guanyin Scroll with Foo Dog

Large antique Chinese scroll portrait of guanyin, seated holding a ruyi sceptre with foo dog at her feet, watercolour & gouache on paper, 200 x 96.5 cm (some faults)

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

Large Chinese ceramic turquoise Foo dog height 44 cm

Turquoise Chinese Ceramic Foo Dog - 44cm Height

Large Chinese ceramic turquoise Foo dog height 44 cm

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 ceramic fo dog, depicted with head to the ground and…

White Glazed Ceramic Japanese Dog Sculpture, 37cm

Japanese ceramic fo dog, depicted with head to the ground and back raised, in a white glaze, length 37 cm

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

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

Pair of Chinese carved temple dogs soapstone seals 16.5 cm…

Chinese Soapstone Temple Dog Seals (16.5 cm)

Pair of Chinese carved temple dogs soapstone seals 16.5 cm height

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

A Japanese Inro, Meiji period (1868-1912), a four case inro on…

Meiji period Japanese Inro with Peonies and Shishi Design

A Japanese Inro, Meiji period (1868-1912), a four case inro on a brown ground decorated with peonies in mother of pearl, and hiramakie and takamakie, the reverse featuring a Shishi (foo dog) ready to leap, also decorated in fine takamakie (high relief)…

A cased pair of chicken blood stone seals with Foo lion finials,…

Chicken Blood Stone Seals with Foo Lion Finials

A cased pair of chicken blood stone seals with Foo lion finials, length 13 cm

Chinese glazed pottery Foo dog 25 cm high

Chinese Glazed Pottery Foo Dog Statue - 25cm High

Chinese glazed pottery Foo dog 25 cm high

Japanese carved ivory Foo dog netsuke 4 cm high

Japanese Ivory Foo Dog Netsuke - 4cm

Japanese carved ivory Foo dog netsuke 4 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

An antique Chinese silver teapot adorned with vignettes of…

Antique Chinese Silver Teapot with Country Scenes and Floral Sprays

An antique Chinese silver teapot adorned with vignettes of country scenes and floral sprays, Foo dog finial with remains of gilt highlights, 19th century, 18 cm high, 17 cm wide, 565grams

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.

A pair of antique Japanese ivory carved temple lions, length 6…

Antique Japanese Ivory Temple Lions (6cm)

A pair of antique Japanese ivory carved temple lions, length 6 cm

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

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

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

A pair of Chinese bronze foo dog ornaments, 20th century, 41 cm…

Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Ornaments, 20th Century, 41-53 cm

A pair of Chinese bronze foo dog ornaments, 20th century, 41 cm high, 53 cm long

A Japanese Warabe Gusoku (Boy's armour), Edo period, the…

Edo Period Japanese Warabe Gusoku Armour with Lacquer Decoration

A Japanese Warabe Gusoku (Boy's armour), Edo period, the suji-kabuto in lacquer to replicate iron with a two-stage lacquer shikoro (neck protection), the bottom stage in gold scrolling wave design having a kuwagata-dai of stylised antlers and sun, the…

Pair of white marble temple dogs, 20th century, on sandstone…

White Marble Temple Dogs on Sandstone Bases

Pair of white marble temple dogs, 20th century, on sandstone bases (2), height 55 cm width 43 cm on base 20 x 32 cm (height including base 75 cm each). Provenance: The Estate of Dr Barry Landa, Sydney

Two good antique carved ivory temple / Foo dogs

Antique Carved Ivory Temple Foo Dogs

Two good antique carved ivory temple / Foo dogs

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.

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…

A pair of Chinese tri-colour ceramic lion dogs, height 380, 27…

Chinese Tri-Colour Ceramic Lion Dogs, Pair

A pair of Chinese tri-colour ceramic lion dogs, height 380, 27 x 13 cm

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.

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

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

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 large pair of Chinese ceramic Foo dogs, 20th century the…

Chinese Ceramic Guardian Foo Dogs Pair

A large pair of Chinese ceramic Foo dogs, 20th century the standing male and female pair of guardian foo dogs, respectively with ball and cub under their paw and their mouths open, in rich polychrome glaze, on a thin rectangular base. Height 49 cm, length…

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 Japanese ivory netsuke of a lion dog. Meiji period…

Meiji Period Ivory Netsuke of Lion Dog with Pup

A Japanese ivory netsuke of a lion dog. Meiji period (1868-1912), the carved ivory seated foo dog with a pup climbing on its back, signed to the underside. Width 4.5 cm

Chinese dogs of fo, pair of carved jade on wooden stands,…

Carved Jade Chinese Dog Pair on Stands

Chinese dogs of fo, pair of carved jade on wooden stands, height 18 cm

A pair of Qing period Chinese marble temple lions carved as…

Qing Marble Temple Lions with Pups

A pair of Qing period Chinese marble temple lions carved as newel post finials both accompanied by pups, the male with foot upon a brocade ball, the female with a ribbon cascading from her mouth, Both raised on short remnant post bases with reciprocal…

A pair of massive Oriental ceramic temple lions, sancai glazed,…

Oriental Temple Lions with Sancai Glaze and Damage

A pair of massive Oriental ceramic temple lions, sancai glazed, in traditional poses, the male with forepaw upon a brocade ball, the female with paw upon a pup, on conforming draped square plinths. Some old damage. 51 x 42 x 107 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

Chinese metal pierced incense burner, heavily decorated with…

Dragon-themed Chinese Metal Incense Burner

Chinese metal pierced incense burner, heavily decorated with dragons on dog of fo feet with pierced dragon lid

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.

A large pair of Chinese glazed temple Foo dogs, height 44 cm

Chinese Glazed Temple Foo Dogs (44cm)

A large pair of Chinese glazed temple Foo dogs, height 44 cm

A pair of antique Chinese carved ivory Foo dogs on turned…

Antique Chinese Ivory Foo Dogs on Stands

A pair of antique Chinese carved ivory Foo dogs on turned wooden stands, 19th/20th century, 8 cm high overall

A pair of Japanese silvered and gilded bronze Shishi lions,…

Japanese Meiji Period Shishi Lions in Bronze

A pair of Japanese silvered and gilded bronze Shishi lions, late Meiji period, the heavy patinated bronze lion dogs in traditional sitting pose with their mouths wide open and their tails curled back, unmarked. Height 8.5 cm, width 10 cm

A rare pair of 19th century Tibetan Buddhist bronzed lion dogs,…

Tibetan Buddhist Bronzed Lion Dogs

A rare pair of 19th century Tibetan Buddhist bronzed lion dogs, each raised on a rectangular plinth with traces of polychrome paint to the surface, Tibetan Vajra emblem engraved to the underside of each, 13 cm width. 20 cm height

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