Pair of Large Vintage Gilt Bronze Guardian Lions – Repoussé & Chased Detailing

Details

Description

This is a striking pair of vintage gilt bronze guardian lions, also known as Foo Dogs or Shishi. Each lion … Read more This is a striking pair of vintage gilt bronze guardian lions, also known as Foo Dogs or Shishi. Each lion is seated on a tall, rounded plinth decorated with a chased floral scroll band, and features a deeply chased, textured surface overall, giving the bronze a rich, tactile quality. The pair is classically posed: the male lion (on the right) rests his paw on an openwork, lattice-patterned 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 exhibits a rich, dark brown patina with extensive gold gilding highlights on the faces, manes, and paws, giving them a warm, antique character. One of the bases bears a cast, four-character seal mark reading "宣德年制" (Made in the Xuande Period), indicating it is a vintage revival piece in the Xuande style. A classic and auspicious pair for a collector of Asian antiques.

Dimensions & Measurements (per lion):

Height: 26 cm (approx. 10.24 inches)

Width: 15 cm (approx. 5.91 inches)

Length: 15 cm (approx. 5.91 inches)

Weight (each): approx. 4600 g (approx. 10.14 lbs) See less