Pair of Vintage Cloisonné Enamel Guardian Lions – Gilt Bronze Foo Dogs, Turquoise Ground

Details

Description

This is a striking pair of vintage cloisonné enamel guardian lions, also known as Foo Dogs or scholar's desk lions. … Read more This is a striking pair of vintage cloisonné enamel guardian lions, also known as Foo Dogs or scholar's desk lions. Each lion is seated upright in a protective, alert posture. The bodies are richly decorated in cloisonné enamel against a vibrant turquoise-green ground, featuring scrolling vine patterns and colorful stylized blossoms in red, orange, yellow, and purple. The heads, curly manes, tails, paws, and decorative collars with bells are finished in a contrasting dark, bronze tone with a warm, aged patina. The pair is classically posed: the male lion (on the right) rests his paw on an openwork brocade ball, while the female lion (on the left) playfully tends to a cub. The maker notes these are auspicious beasts meant for a scholar's desk or home display. A highly decorative and collectible pair.

Dimensions & Measurements (per lion):

Length: 21 cm (approx. 8.27 inches)

Width: 10 cm (approx. 3.94 inches)

Height: 19 cm (approx. 7.48 inches)

Total Weight (pair): approx. 5450 g (approx. 12.02 lbs) See less