A beautiful pair of porcelain Imperial
Lions or Foo Dogs in fabulous colors of Chinese yellow and green with
multi-colored armor. Finely detailed, the lions sit on open work taupe
pedestals. Each piece is slightly different from the other. The male rests his
paw on a pierced orb that represents world supremacy while the female restrains
a playful cub on its back, representing nurture and the cycle of life.
Purchased at the old Hong Kong night
market in the early 1970’s (when great antiques and collectibles could still be
found). Actual age of the pair is unknown but they are probably from the 1920’s
to 1950’s and were probably made for export.
Both pieces are in excellent condition.
No chip, cracks, glaze loss or repairs. Superb glaze and detail.
HISTORIQUE: Chinese guardian lions or
Imperial guardian lions, traditionally known in Chinese simply as Shi (lion),
are often called Foo Dogs in the West. Statues of guardian lions have
traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs,
government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy.
They were believed to provide powerful mythic protection.
The lions are usually depicted in pairs.
The male leans his paw upon an embroidered ball (representing supremacy over
the world) and a female restraining a playful cub that is on its back (representing
nurture or the cycle of life).Height: 20 cm.
