1960s Japanese Turquoise Glazed Porcelain Foo Dog Guardian Lions, Pair

Details

Description

A wonderfully expressive pair of vintage porcelain guardian lions, or foo dogs, dating to circa 1960s Japan. Each is finely … Read more A wonderfully expressive pair of vintage porcelain guardian lions, or foo dogs, dating to circa 1960s Japan. Each is finely molded and finished in a remarkably saturated turquoise glaze that settles beautifully into the sculptural details of the faces, collars, manes, and raised plinth bases.

Designed as a complementary pair, the lions sit upright with open mouths, visible tongues, and raised front paws, with one resting its paw upon a ball. Their combination of traditional Asian iconography and exuberant color made pieces such as these particularly appealing in mid-century Western chinoiserie interiors—and they remain just as effective today.

At 9.5 inches high, they have enough scale to hold their own on a mantel or console. I especially like them used symmetrically at either end of a stack of books, flanking a blue and white jar, or introducing an unexpected flash of turquoise among mahogany, wicker, brass, and old paintings.

- Styles: Chinoiserie, Asian Traditional, English Country, Hollywood Regency
- Period: Circa 1960s
- Origin: Japan; marked Made in Japan
- Dimensions: 4ʺW × 3ʺD × 9.5ʺH each
- Materials: Glazed porcelain
- Condition: Very good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and use. Presents beautifully.
- Sold As: Set of two See less