Shishi couple; Japan, Edo period, c. 1800.

Shishi couple; Japan, Edo period, c. 1800.
Steatite.
They present faults and restorations.
Measurements: 23 x 27 x 14 cm (x2).
Shishi literally means stone lion, which in Japan shares many similarities with the representation of foo dogs. It is an important symbol in Chinese Taoist culture and, because of its influence, also in Japanese and Thai culture. 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.