(2) Chinese Carved Hardstone Foo Dogs on Carved Wood Base. Pair of carved jadeite or hardstone Shi Shi (guardian lions) in variegated green and brown tones, each seated on a matching plinth and displayed on a pierced dark wood stand.

Size: 3 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 7 in.

Foo dogs, also known as Chinese guardian lions, are symbolic stone or bronze statues traditionally placed at the entrances of temples, palaces, and wealthy homes to ward off evil spirits and protect sacred spaces. Typically depicted in pairs, with the male resting a paw on a ball and the female nurturing a cub, they embody a balance of power and protection, reflecting yin-yang principles. Their fierce expressions, flowing manes, and stylized muscular forms convey vigilance and strength, while intricate decorative details—such as curls, scales, and symbolic motifs—reinforce their auspicious role. Beyond mere decoration, foo dogs serve as visual reminders of authority, spiritual guardianship, and the human desire to harmonize the earthly and supernatural realms.

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