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".

203 items found, 193-203 shown:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

You can reduce the number of items displayed by entering a keyword that must be included in the description of the item.

OR

You can restrict the number of items to those sold in recent years. Select which years:

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

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…

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…

Pair of carved ivory Dogs of Fo

Carved Ivory Dogs of Fo

Pair of carved ivory Dogs of Fo

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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…

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…