FOO / FU DOGS; CHINESE LION COLORFUL VINTAGE PAIR

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FOO / FU DOGS; CHINESE LION COLORFUL VINTAGE PAIR

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Sold Date: 11/09/2006
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

FOO / FU DOGS

CHINESE LION

COLORFUL VINTAGE MATCHING PAIR

"....Foo Dogs are the ancient sacred dogs of Asia who guard Buddhist temples. The association between these dogs and Buddha is one of great significance. Foo Dogs have the appearance of a lion. The lion in Buddhist religion is seen as sacred, and has sometimes been offered to Buddha as a sacrifice. The Foo Dog was the protector of sacred buildings and a defender of law. The dogs were commonly placed at business institutions, temple gates, home entrances, and estates. It was also not uncommon to see these sacred dogs guarding tombs or placed in front of government buildings to scare evil spirits. The Foo Dog comes in many shapes, sizes, different materials, and colors. Their faces have a mischievous and almost devilish look about them; and their eyes are normally wide open with a tiny speck in the middle. This threatening appearance is what gives the idea that they guard against evil spirits. It is important to point out that the Foo Dog is also known as the Celestial Dog, and the Happiness Dog. The animal is a symbol of energy and value, and is often displayed in a male/female pair. The male plays with a ball that symbolizes the Earth, while the female holds a cub...."

markings on the bottom of both foo dogs :

a stamped "character" with a number 12 plus an ink number 37

(plus other ink numbers which probably were not done at the factory)

approx. size: 12" tall base is approx.: 2 5/8" x 3 1/2" pair of foo dogs weighs approx.: 4 lb.

do not see any "cracks" or "chips" on the dogs

(c. 1960's)