Pair of Antique Chinese Famille Verte Foo Dog Lamps – Late Qing / Early Republic Porcelain Guardian Lions

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A striking, heavy, and substantial pair of antique Chinese porcelain guardian lions (commonly called “foo dogs”) in the famille verte … Read more A striking, heavy, and substantial pair of antique Chinese porcelain guardian lions (commonly called “foo dogs”) in the famille verte palette, dating from the late Qing to early Republic period (circa 1890–1920). Each rests on a decorated pedestal base with hand-painted floral medallions and a Greek key border, the male with paw atop a floral decorated ball and the female with paw guarding a playful cub — the traditional symbolic pairing representing protection and prosperity. The porcelain figures were later adapted into double-socket table lamps during the mid-20th century, a common practice for bringing antique Asian decorative arts into Western interiors.

Rich hand-applied enamels in shades of green, yellow, lavender, blue, orange and maroon retain vivid color, with charming variations that reveal their hand-painted nature. Mounted on stepped wood bases, with aged brass double-socket lamp fittings.

There is height adjustability in the lamp rod to accommodate different lamp shades. See less