Pair of Vintage Chinese Ceramic Foo Lion Guardian Sculptures With Incense Holders

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Pair of Vintage Chinese Ceramic Foo Lion Guardian Sculptures with Incense Holders

A striking pair of vintage Chinese ceramic Foo … Read more Pair of Vintage Chinese Ceramic Foo Lion Guardian Sculptures with Incense Holders

A striking pair of vintage Chinese ceramic Foo Lion (Guardian Lion) sculptures, each beautifully modeled in a traditional standing form with expressive open-mouthed faces, stylized curled manes, and raised tails. One lion is finished in a soft matte celadon-green glaze, while the other features a rich brown crazed (crackle) glaze, creating a warm and complementary contrast.

Each sculpture is designed with small openings to accommodate incense sticks, allowing them to serve as both sculptural decorative objects and functional incense holders. Rich in symbolism, Foo Lions—also known as Shishi or Guardian Lions—have long been placed in pairs to represent protection, strength, prosperity, and good fortune.

Their bold silhouettes and expressive craftsmanship make them ideal for displaying on a console, bookshelf, mantel, or within a curated collection of Asian art, chinoiserie, or eclectic interiors.

Dimensions (each):
8.5” H × 8.5” W × 3.5” D

Condition:
Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear consistent with use and age. The brown example exhibits an attractive natural crazed glaze, original to the firing process. Small openings are present for use as incense holders. Please review all photographs as they are part of the description.

Provenance:
Acquired from a Texas estate auction in 2021. See less