Pair of Vintage Gilt Bronze Foo Dogs – Guardian Lions on Drum Bases

Details

Description

This is a charming pair of vintage Chinese bronze guardian lions, also known as Foo Dogs or Shishi. Each lion … Read more This is a charming pair of vintage Chinese bronze guardian lions, also known as Foo Dogs or Shishi. Each lion is seated on a cylindrical drum-shaped base adorned with a relief-cast taotie (beast face) mask and a ring handle. The pair is classically posed: the male lion (on the right) rests his paw on an embroidered brocade ball, symbolizing dominion over the world, while the female lion (on the left) playfully tends to a cub, representing the nurturing of future generations. Both lions feature intricately detailed curly manes, bulging eyes, open jaws with visible fangs, decorative collars with bells, and muscular bodies with pronounced spines and tails. The bronze has a rich, dark patina with significant remnants of gold gilding and red lacquer highlights on the manes, faces, and bodies, giving them a warm, aged character. This is a classic and auspicious pair for a collector of Asian antiques.

Dimensions & Measurements (per lion):

Length: 7.5 cm (approx. 2.95 inches)

Width: 6.5 cm (approx. 2.56 inches)

Height: 11 cm (approx. 4.33 inches) See less