Vintage Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Guardian Lion Foo Dog

Details

Description

A wonderfully expressive vintage Chinese blue-and-white porcelain guardian lion, traditionally known in Western decorative arts as a foo dog.

Substantial … Read more A wonderfully expressive vintage Chinese blue-and-white porcelain guardian lion, traditionally known in Western decorative arts as a foo dog.

Substantial in scale at approximately 10 inches long, the figure is modeled in a lively crouching pose with an animated expression, curled mane and stylized details picked out in deep cobalt blue against the white porcelain body. The hand-applied blue-and-white decoration gives the sculpture the graphic quality that makes Chinese porcelain so effective in both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Guardian lions have a long history in Chinese art and architecture, where pairs traditionally served as protective symbols at the entrances to important buildings and homes. During the 20th century, the form also became a popular subject for Chinese export porcelain and decorative ceramics.

This example dates to the late 20th century, probably circa 1980s–1990s, and was made in China for the export market. The underside carries a bilingual country-of-origin mark reading “Made in China / Fabrique en Chine,” consistent with an object intended for distribution in the North American market.

A terrific standalone decorative sculpture for a bookshelf, console or mantel, particularly striking among other blue-and-white porcelain.

Condition: Good vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. Please review photographs for the most complete assessment of condition.

Dimensions: 10" W × 7" D × 8.5" H
Origin: China
Period: Late 20th century, circa 1980s–1990s
Material: Porcelain
Mark: “Made in China / Fabrique en Chine” See less