Pair Of Stone Guardian Lions (Foo Dogs) - Circa 1920

This pair of Chinese stone guardian lion statues would have come from either side of the entrance doors of wealthy Chinese homes to ward off evil or negative energy. These traditional stone lions are around 100 years old and would have come from a wealthy Chinese home in Shanxi province. Traditionally these stone lions (called Shishi 石獅) are one female and one male. The male symbolises power and protection and the female symbolises familial protection and nurturing. 

Exquisitely carved, they would look equally good on either side of a doorway or in the garden. Remants of old paint can be seen, blue on the mane and red on the skin. 

These figures are often called 'Foo Dogs' by western antique dealers, a term not used in China. This was probably derived from the Chinese symbol 'fu' 福 for 'prosperity' or 'blessing'. It could also come a misunderstanding from the word 'fo' 佛, the Chinese word for Buddha. This pair would look fantastic either inside or outside. 

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