(2) Vintage Chinese Porcelain Parcel Gilt Ornate Mythical Beasts as Foo Dogs. Mated pair of mythical beasts, possibly qilin, as foo dogs, with ornate painted detail and gilt accents on scales, horns, and teeth.
Foo dogs, also known as guardian lions or shishi, are powerful, mythical creatures that originated in Chinese culture and are traditionally placed at the entrances of temples, palaces, and homes to ward off evil spirits and protect sacred spaces. Despite the name “foo dog,” they are actually stylized lions, chosen as symbols of strength, authority, and protection, even though lions are not native to China. Typically presented in male-female pairs—one with a paw on a ball representing worldly power, and the other with a paw on a cub symbolizing nurturing—their fierce expressions and elaborate manes reflect their protective role. Crafted from stone, bronze, or ceramic, foo dogs have transcended their original religious and cultural functions to become iconic figures in East Asian decorative art, symbolizing vigilance and prosperity.
Size: 14 x 8 1/2 x 11 in.
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