Chinese foo dogs, also known as Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lions, are a traditional mythical symbol of protection in Chinese culture. They are usually made as pairs and the male is depicted as a lion with a ball, while the female has a cub under its paw. They are often placed at the entrance of homes, temples, and government buildings. The origins of the foo dog can be traced back to ancient China, where they were believed to have protective powers. They were also used in imperial palaces, tombs, and government buildings. They were also used as a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. Over time, the foo dog has become a popular decorative item and a symbol of Chinese culture.
The Japanese equivilent is "shi shi".

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A pair of Chinese turquoise glazed foo dogs, the opposing pair…

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Foo Dogs Pair

A pair of Chinese turquoise glazed foo dogs, the opposing pair in traditional pose on block bases. Impressed and printed marks to base, height 25.5 cm.

A pair of Chinese carved jade foo dogs, each modelled seated…

Chinese carved jade foo dogs, 9.5 cm

A pair of Chinese carved jade foo dogs, each modelled seated with a forepaw raised on a ball or a pup, height 9.5 cm excl. stands

Chinese bronze Fo dog handle, 18th/19th century, 11 cm long

Chinese Bronze Fo Dog Handle, 18th/19th Century

Chinese bronze Fo dog handle, 18th/19th century, 11 cm long

Pair Chinese carved soapstone seals carved temple dog finials,…

Chinese Soapstone Seals with Temple Dog Finials

Pair Chinese carved soapstone seals carved temple dog finials, inscribed character marks to side of each, height 5 cm, each.

A rare pair of ormolu mounted Fo dogs, circa 1900, the mirrored…

Rare Pair of Ormolu Mounted Fo Dogs

A rare pair of ormolu mounted Fo dogs, circa 1900, the mirrored pair of blue and white underglazed fo dogs modelled in a seated position, raised on an integral rectangular base within an elaborate floral encrusted ormolu brocage, 43.5 cm high

Japanese ceramic temple dog figure character marks to base,…

Japanese Ceramic Temple Dog Figure with Character Marks

Japanese ceramic temple dog figure character marks to base, height 21 cm

A very large and decorative pair of early 20th century Foo dogs,…

Blue and White Foo Dogs on Elaborate Plinths

A very large and decorative pair of early 20th century Foo dogs, blue and white painted decoration on elaborate plinths. Minor faults, height 64 cm

A pair of Chinese rock crystal Foo dogs, Qing Dynasty, 19th…

Qing Dynasty Crystal Foo Dogs on Carved Stands

A pair of Chinese rock crystal Foo dogs, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, on carved and pierced stands, height 14 cm

Pair of Chinese blanc de chine Foo dogs, possibly Qing Dynasty,…

Chinese Blanc de Chine Foo Dogs Pair, 18th/19th Century

Pair of Chinese blanc de chine Foo dogs, possibly Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th century, restored, with wooden bases (2), height 13.5 cm

Assorted Chinese carved Honan jade figures, 20th century,…

Chinese Honan Jade Carvings (4)

Assorted Chinese carved Honan jade figures, 20th century, comprising an eagle standing on a branch, a lady and a pair of Foo dogs (4), height 19 cm (eagle)

A pair of rollicking Hirado Shi Shi lion dogs, 20th century,…

Blue and White Hirado Shi Shi Lion Dogs

A pair of rollicking Hirado Shi Shi lion dogs, 20th century, well modelled slip cast blue and white dogs engaged in play fighting, height 14.5 cm width 18.5 cm

Good pair Chinese carved marble temple lions each carved temple…

Chinese Carved Marble Temple Lion Pair

Good pair Chinese carved marble temple lions each carved temple lion, on a marble base, height 43 cm approx, each; length 25 cm approx, each.

Pair Chinese white ceramic Foo Dogs (Height 8 cm approx, each.

Chinese White Ceramic Foo Dogs - Pair

Pair Chinese white ceramic Foo Dogs (Height 8 cm approx, each.

Oriental brass Fo dog incense burner

Brass Fu Dog Incense Burner

Oriental brass Fo dog incense burner

Oriental bronze lidded incense burner in form of Dog of Fo

Bronze Dog of Fo Incense Burner with Lid

Oriental bronze lidded incense burner in form of Dog of Fo

Oriental carved hardstone temple dog 5.5 cm, high

Carved Oriental Hardstone Temple Dog Miniature

Oriental carved hardstone temple dog 5.5 cm, high

Pair Chinese carved temple dog figures each carved on hardstone…

Chinese Carved Temple Dog Figures on Hardstone Blocks

Pair Chinese carved temple dog figures each carved on hardstone block, with character marks to base. On fitted wooden stands, height 18 cm, total, each).

Two Chinese hardstone temple dogs 20th century. Height 13 cm

Chinese Temple Dogs, 20th Century, 13cm

Two Chinese hardstone temple dogs 20th century. Height 13 cm

Chinese jade carving of a duck, depicted with lotus branch in…

Lotus-Bearing Jade Duck Carving

Chinese jade carving of a duck, depicted with lotus branch in mouth in tones fo white, a/f, length 3.5 cm

Pair of Chinese Republic (1912-1949) ivory figures, depicting…

Chinese Republic Ivory Temple Lion Figures

Pair of Chinese Republic (1912-1949) ivory figures, depicting temple lions, male and female, each seated on a plinth and baring their teeth, he with paw on a ball, she with paw on a cub, both signed to base, 19 cm high. Ex: Private collection Sydney

Pair of jade dogs of Fo, each 10 cm high (2)

Jade Fo Dogs: Pair of 10cm High Statues

Pair of jade dogs of Fo, each 10 cm high (2)

Chinese rock crystal dog of Fo, on wooden base, 8 cm high, 11…

Rock Crystal Dog of Fo on Wooden Base

Chinese rock crystal dog of Fo, on wooden base, 8 cm high, 11 cm wide

Chinese enameled glass snuff bottle. Signed and painted with…

Enameled Glass Snuff Bottle with Bird and Fo Dog Stopper

Chinese enameled glass snuff bottle. Signed and painted with bird foraging in a garden. Carved wood Fo dog stopper, height 8 cm

Early pair Chinese ceramic temple dogs, each dog in seated…

Pair of Chinese Ceramic Temple Dogs

Early pair Chinese ceramic temple dogs, each dog in seated position, (some rim chips to each). Height 12 cm (taller dog)

Pair Chinese ceramic dog of Fo figures each figures forms lid…

Floral Dish with Pair of Ceramic Dog Fo Lids

Pair Chinese ceramic dog of Fo figures each figures forms lid to floral decorated dish below. Height 15 cm (each)

Near pair Chinese ceramic temple dogs, (1 with restored leg and…

Pair of Chinese Ceramic Temple Dogs

Near pair Chinese ceramic temple dogs, (1 with restored leg and chip to ear). Height 23 cm (taller dog)

Fine Japanese 17th century Inro, in five sections, in lacquer,…

17th Century Japanese Inro with Immortal and Dog of Fo

Fine Japanese 17th century Inro, in five sections, in lacquer, beautifully decorated with two immortal to one side and immortal and dog of fo to other, in tones of gilt, 10 x 8.5 cm, purchased: Christies

Chinese silver and enamel dogs of Foo with small jade collars…

Enamel Foo Dogs with Jade Collars and Stone Inserts

Chinese silver and enamel dogs of Foo with small jade collars and stone inserts to enamel. Height 9 cm

Vintage Chinese silver & enamel neckpiece, enamel dog of fo,…

Enamel Dog of Fo Silver Necklace

Vintage Chinese silver & enamel neckpiece, enamel dog of fo, suspended on silver chain with enamel and semi-precious stones. Character marks verso.

A pale caramel coloured jade carved temple dog, modeled in…

Caramel Jade Temple Dog Sculpture

A pale caramel coloured jade carved temple dog, modeled in prowling stance. Length 15.5 cm

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha Qianlong mark and period, the…

Qianlong Period Buddha Figure with Tibetan Inscriptions

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha Qianlong mark and period, the figure of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in meditative dhyanasana, the right arm lowered in bhumisparsamudra, the left in dhyanamudra, wearing loosely draped robes, the face with gentle expression and…

Antique Japanese ivory temple dog netsuke on a ivory…

Japanese Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke on Scenic Base

Antique Japanese ivory temple dog netsuke on a ivory traditional scenic base netsuke, signed to base of temple dog,Height 5 cm approx

Antique Japanese stained ivory temple dog Okimono,

Stained Ivory Japanese Temple Dog Okimono

Antique Japanese stained ivory temple dog Okimono,

A Japanese ceramic model of a shishi, the temple dog sits, its…

Japanese Ceramic Shishi Temple Dog Statue

A Japanese ceramic model of a shishi, the temple dog sits, its forepaws raised on a large mallet. Height 37 cm

Chinese soapstone deity seated on a foo dog figure, height 23 cm

Chinese Soapstone Deity on Foo Dog Figure

Chinese soapstone deity seated on a foo dog figure, height 23 cm

A pair of monochrome turquoise glaze dogs of Fo candle holders,…

Turquoise Glaze Fo Dogs Candle Holders

A pair of monochrome turquoise glaze dogs of Fo candle holders, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, the mould cast and carved pottery dogs crouching on their front legs, both with their rear legs in a vertical attitude balancing a studded barrel candle holder,…

Pair of Chinese soapstone temple lions, 15 cm high

Chinese Soapstone Temple Lions - 15cm Pair

Pair of Chinese soapstone temple lions, 15 cm high

Chinese bronze dog of foo figure, 14 cm high

Bronze Foo Dog Figure - 14cm

Chinese bronze dog of foo figure, 14 cm high

A fine Chinese jade carving with two lion dogs, the underside…

Qing Dynasty Jade Carving of Lion Dogs and Lotus Leaf

A fine Chinese jade carving with two lion dogs, the underside carved with a lotus leaf, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, skillfully carved to the shape of the pebble in the round, the younger cub lying beside the larger animal and playfully wrestling, well…

Good gilt bronze/copper Jambhala seated on dog of Fo, depicted…

Gilt Bronze Jambhala Seated on Dog of Fo Statue

Good gilt bronze/copper Jambhala seated on dog of Fo, depicted with headdress, with earrings and necklaces, one hand in pose, the other holding mongoose, seated on dog of fo with head turned, raised on a lotus base, with back flame finial, 17 cm x 15 cm…

Fine Japanese Meiji period Inro, in five sections, in lacquer,…

Meiji Period Inro with Immortal and Dog of Fo Decoration

Fine Japanese Meiji period Inro, in five sections, in lacquer, beautifully decorated with two immortal to one side and immortal and dog of fo to other, in tones of gilt, 10 cm x 8.5 cm

A possibly Chinese silver set, comprising pepperette, salt and…

Chinese Silver Set with Pepperette, Salt, and Caster Bottle

A possibly Chinese silver set, comprising pepperette, salt and caster bottle in cylindrical form with vignettes of foo dog, elephant and dragon, weight 135 gm, together with a boxed set of six Chinese silver teaspoons, the handles with marked with script,…

Chinese white stone temple dog chop, 7 cm high

7cm Chinese White Stone Temple Dog Chop

Chinese white stone temple dog chop, 7 cm high

Netsuke of temple dog and ball

Temple Dog Netsuke with Ball

Netsuke of temple dog and ball

A pair Chinese carved hardstone temple dogs with stands, height:…

Chinese Hardstone Temple Dogs with Stands

A pair Chinese carved hardstone temple dogs with stands, height: 22 cm, length 27 cm

Pair of antique Chinese carved ivory Foo Dogs, circa 1920s, 5…

Antique Chinese Carved Ivory Foo Dogs (1920s)

Pair of antique Chinese carved ivory Foo Dogs, circa 1920s, 5 cm high approx.

A Pair of Chinese gilt metal temple lions, 20th century

Chinese Gilt Metal Temple Lions, 20th Century

A Pair of Chinese gilt metal temple lions, 20th century

Pair carved soapstone temple dogs

Carved Soapstone Temple Dogs Pair

Pair carved soapstone temple dogs

A set set of eight graduated square jade seals carved with lion…

Imperial Jade Lion Dog Seals

A set set of eight graduated square jade seals carved with lion dogs, seals Blank, 20th century, opaque & translucent, in all the hues of jade, from pale green to grey. Provenance: Imperial Peking collection, height 7-10 cm

A pair of emerald glazed earthenware temple dogs, Qing Dynasty,…

Qing Dynasty Emerald Glazed Temple Dogs

A pair of emerald glazed earthenware temple dogs, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. the dogs of fo with tightly coiled hair sitting proudly upon square plinths, each with a moving ball in its mouth, in modulating green glaze with splashes of brown and cream…

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha Qianlong mark and period, the…

Qianlong Period Buddha Figure with Tibetan Inscriptions

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha Qianlong mark and period, the figure of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in meditative dhyanasana, the right arm lowered in bhumisparsamudra the left in dhyanamudra, wearing a loosely draped robe, the face with gentle expression and…

Hardstone carving of a temple dog

Temple Dog Hardstone Carving

Hardstone carving of a temple dog

Antique carved ivory temple dog figure / netsuke, 4 cm high…

Carved Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke

Antique carved ivory temple dog figure / netsuke, 4 cm high approx

Vintage Japanese metal incense burner, with twin handles and…

Japanese Metal Incense Burner with Temple Dog Lid

Vintage Japanese metal incense burner, with twin handles and temple dog lid, height 18 cm approx (as inspected)

A pair of Chinese bronze temple lions. Height 39 cm, bearing…

Chinese Bronze Temple Lions, 39 cm

A pair of Chinese bronze temple lions. Height 39 cm, bearing character marks to base

A vintage pair of Chinese bronze dogs of Fo incense burners,…

Pair of Chinese Bronze Dogs of Fo Incense Burners

A vintage pair of Chinese bronze dogs of Fo incense burners, people's Republic of China era, second half 20th century, the opposite pair of traditionally styled seated dogs, with curled fur and scrolling beards and tails, with a clawed paw raised and both…

Chinese bronze temple dog opium paperweight H5 cm approx

Chinese Bronze Temple Dog Opium Weight

Chinese bronze temple dog opium paperweight H5 cm approx

Japanese Kutani Koro. Taisho period. Decorated with ships and…

Kutani Koro with European Figures and Temple Dog

Japanese Kutani Koro. Taisho period. Decorated with ships and European figures, raised on four feet decorated with masks, the lid surmounted by a temple dog, mark to base. Height 30 cm. Provenance: Purchased from Kalinka gallery, 2000

Chinese soapstone gentleman and temple dog figure on timber…

Chinese Soapstone Gentleman with Temple Dog Figure

Chinese soapstone gentleman and temple dog figure on timber base, height 15 cm approx

Pair of carved marble Chinese temple dogs, each approx 90 cm…

Carved Marble Chinese Temple Dog Pair

Pair of carved marble Chinese temple dogs, each approx 90 cm high, 34 cm wide, 47 cm deep ( 2)

Chinese Carved soapstone 'Temple Dog' (A/F), approx 13 cm high,…

Chinese Carved Soapstone Temple Dog Sculpture

Chinese Carved soapstone 'Temple Dog' (A/F), approx 13 cm high, 18 cm long

Chinese ceramic foo dog, resting on a ball, 24 cm wide, 24 cm…

Resting Chinese Ceramic Foo Dog on Ball, 24 cm

Chinese ceramic foo dog, resting on a ball, 24 cm wide, 24 cm high approx

Oriental silver gilt filigree and enamel Dog of Fo

Silver Enamel Dog of Fo Filigree Statue

Oriental silver gilt filigree and enamel Dog of Fo

Antique bronze altar incense burner, with Dog of Fo, approx 38…

Antique Dog of Fo Incense Burner

Antique bronze altar incense burner, with Dog of Fo, approx 38 cm high

A pair of Chinese bronze Shishi or lion dogs on separate bronze…

Chinese Bronze Shishi Lion Dogs on Stands

A pair of Chinese bronze Shishi or lion dogs on separate bronze stands. Height 10 cm each

Kutani pair of lidded pots having four panels of birds &…

Kutani Pair of Bird & Flower Lidded Pots with Foo Dogs

Kutani pair of lidded pots having four panels of birds & flowers, with Foo dog handles & finials, standing on three feet, & with a six character signature to the bases. Condition fair, restoration to one finial, crack to one base. Height of tallest - 42 cm

A pair of Japanese bronze censers with Foo dog finials, Meiji…

Japanese Bronze Censers with Foo Dog Finials (Meiji Period)

A pair of Japanese bronze censers with Foo dog finials, Meiji period. 49 cm high

Small well carved ivory figure of foo dog & young

Ivory Foo Dog and Young: A Small Carved Figure

Small well carved ivory figure of foo dog & young

Pair of large Chinese carved stone temple lions base 27 cm x 40…

Large Chinese Carved Stone Temple Lions Pair

Pair of large Chinese carved stone temple lions base 27 cm x 40 cm, 73 cm high approx.

A Chinese jade dog of Fo, in creamy jade, the recumbent dog…

Creamy Jade Fo Dog with Ball

A Chinese jade dog of Fo, in creamy jade, the recumbent dog playing with a ball; inscribed characters underside. Height 3.5 cm. Width 5 cm. Depth 6 cm

A Chinese jade dog of Fo with Pup, in silver grey tones, the…

Jade Dog with Pup Pendant

A Chinese jade dog of Fo with Pup, in silver grey tones, the recumbent but alert dog with a pup upon its back; attached to a red cord. Height 3.5 cm. Width 5.5 cm

A pair of turquoise glazed Chinese dogs of Fo and gilt metal…

Turquoise Chinese Dogs and Gilt Candlesticks (9 words)

A pair of turquoise glazed Chinese dogs of Fo and gilt metal candlesticks, 19th century. 15 cm high, 22 cm wide, 13 cm deep

A pair of Chinese brass temple lion dogs, both raised on plinth…

Chinese Brass Temple Lion Dogs Pair

A pair of Chinese brass temple lion dogs, both raised on plinth bases, the female with fore paw raised on a pup, the male with paw raised on a brocade ball. Height 45 cm

Pair of carved ivory Dogs of Fo

Carved Ivory Dogs of Fo

Pair of carved ivory Dogs of Fo

Pair of Chinese hardstone dogs of Fo 14 cm

Chinese Hardstone Dogs of Fo Pair (14cm)

Pair of Chinese hardstone dogs of Fo 14 cm

A pair of blanc de chine Fo dogs, modelled as male with globe…

Blanc de Chine Fo Dogs: Male and Female Pair

A pair of blanc de chine Fo dogs, modelled as male with globe and female with cub, 26.5 cm high

Pair of Chinese bronze foo dogs 13 cm high

Chinese Bronze Foo Dogs Pair - 13cm Height

Pair of Chinese bronze foo dogs 13 cm high

Chinese soapstone carving Qing Dynasty, 19th century, depicting…

Qing Dynasty Soapstone Foo Dogs Carving

Chinese soapstone carving Qing Dynasty, 19th century, depicting four Foo dogs playing with ball, retains decal label 'David HO Oriental Art', inscribed mark to underside. Height 10.5 cm

A pair of Chinese painted cast iron temple lions 74 x 85 cm

Chinese Painted Cast Iron Temple Lions, 74x85cm

A pair of Chinese painted cast iron temple lions 74 x 85 cm

Large pair of Chinese Sancai pottery temple dogs, purchased in…

Chinese Sancai Pottery Temple Dogs - 1950s Sydney Purchase

Large pair of Chinese Sancai pottery temple dogs, purchased in Sydney in the 1950's, approx 43 cm high, 41 cm

Pair of Oriental Jadeite temple dogs, with stands, 9 cm high…

Oriental Jadeite Temple Dogs with Stands

Pair of Oriental Jadeite temple dogs, with stands, 9 cm high approx.

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha, Qianlong mark and period the…

Qianlong Period Gilt Bronze Buddha Figure

A gilt bronze figure of Buddha, Qianlong mark and period the figure of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in meditative dhyanasana, the right arm lowered in bhumisparsamudra the left in dhyanamudra, wearing a loosely draped robe, the face with gentle expression and…

A pair of bronze temple dogs on marble base, the bases…

Bronze Temple Dogs on Marble Base

A pair of bronze temple dogs on marble base, the bases associated, 10 cm high

A pair of miniature Chinese silver & enamel foo dogs. Height 6.…

Miniature Chinese Enamel Foo Dogs in Silver

A pair of miniature Chinese silver & enamel foo dogs. Height 6.5 cm

A pair of jade carved figures of temple dogs in the archaistic…

Archaistic Jade Temple Dog Figures on Stands

A pair of jade carved figures of temple dogs in the archaistic manner on fitted stands. Overall height 10 cm

Pair of jade Dogs of Fo on carved stands. Height 17 cm

Jade Dogs of Fo on Carved Stands

Pair of jade Dogs of Fo on carved stands. Height 17 cm

Chinese brass sensor with Foo dog, on three legs, with 4…

Chinese Brass Foo Dog Sensor with Mark - 30cm

Chinese brass sensor with Foo dog, on three legs, with 4 character mark to base, 30 cm high approx.

Large Imperial cast & repousse gilt bronze Buddha Shakyamuni…

Large Gilt Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni, Qianlong Period (18th C.)

Large Imperial cast & repousse gilt bronze Buddha Shakyamuni Qianlong mark and of the period 18th century. Mark reads 'Respectfully Made in the Qianlong Period of the Great Qing Dynasty' the figure seated in Dhyanasana hands in Bhumispharsha mudra with…

A large imperial cast and repousse gilt bronze figure of Buddha…

Qianlong Period Gilt Bronze Buddha Figure

A large imperial cast and repousse gilt bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, Qianlong seven character mark and of the period, 18th century, 'Respectfully made in the Qianlong period of the Great Qing Dynasty', seated in Dhyanasana, the hands in…

A Japanese ivory netsuke. First half 20th century. Finely…

Jovial Man with Child and Temple Dog Netsuke

A Japanese ivory netsuke. First half 20th century. Finely carved, engraved and inked, depicting a jovial man with a bundle or implement over his shoulder and a small child hugging a temple dog at his feet; inscribed signature in red underside. Height 5 cm

A Chinese pottery temple dog and pup. 22 cm long

Chinese Pottery Temple Dog and Pup

A Chinese pottery temple dog and pup. 22 cm long

Pair of Large Chinese carved stone Foo dogs, 44 x 28 cm, 69 cm…

Large Chinese Carved Stone Foo Dogs Pair

Pair of Large Chinese carved stone Foo dogs, 44 x 28 cm, 69 cm high approx

A pair of antique carved, ivory temple lions. Provenance:…

Antique Ivory Temple Lions from Lammert Bros Auctioneers

A pair of antique carved, ivory temple lions. Provenance: Lammert Bros, Auctioneers, Hong Kong

A Chinese bronze water Dropper in the antique manner, in the…

Chinese Bronze Trumpet Water Dropper

A Chinese bronze water Dropper in the antique manner, in the form of a trumpet bell with a broad spreading base having a long slender engraved spout and an applied 'C' shaped handle, the small lid with a dog of fo finial, the body decorated with vertical…

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining temple dog

Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining temple dog