Pair of lions Foo. China, Yixing, Republic period, 19th century.

Pair of lions Foo. China, Yixing, Republic period, 19th century.
In ceramic.
With seal.
Measurements: 16 x 22 x 8 cm.

The foo dog, similar to a lion, is an important symbol within the Chinese Taoist culture and, by its influence, also of the Japanese or Thai. It is identified with protection against evil spirits, and hence they are often represented in pairs at the entrance of temples, imperial tombs, palaces, government buildings, etc.. They are also known as Imperial Guardians, and were very frequent in the art of traditional China. They are attributed mythical powers of protection, and appear as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) at the entrance of important buildings. Today, foo dogs are still frequent as decoration and symbolic elements at the entrance of all kinds of buildings, from hotels to supermarkets. In fact, we can find them both in China and in other countries with a Chinese emigrant population.