Hand-Carved Guardian Lion (Foo Dog) Statues
Name/Title
Hand-Carved Guardian Lion (Foo Dog) StatuesEntry/Object ID
WD0104Description
An expressive, highly decorative pair of vintage Chinese Guardian Lions (commonly referred to as Foo Dogs), hand-carved from solid wood. This traditional pairing features a male and a female figure, structurally aligned with the principles of Yin and Yang to offer comprehensive protection to a home or building. The sculptures feature a striking dual-tone aesthetic, finished in a deep cinnabar-style red lacquer across the bodies and a detailed, contrasting black glaze accentuating the curling, layered manes, tails, and facial attributes. The artisans utilized traditional technical detailing, visible in the dramatic bulging eyes, bared teeth, and heavily stylized fur patterns. A signature mark of superior craftsmanship is embedded within the design: both statues feature a free-floating, loose wooden ball seamlessly carved inside their wide-open mouths, as well as an independent inner orb trapped inside the large, hollow, pierce-carved spheres (temari balls) positioned under their paws. These spheres roll freely but are physically too large to be removed from their structural cagesType of Sculpture
Free StandingArtwork Details
Medium
Lacquered and painted hardwoodSubject
Guardian Lions or Foo DogsCategory
Chinese carved art