Pair of Foo lions; China, 20th century.

Pair of Foo lions; China, 20th century.
Wood.
The tails are movable.
Measurements: 57 x 33x 30 cm; 8 x 39 cm (base diameter).
The foo dog, similar to a lion, is an important symbol in the Chinese Taoist culture and, because of its influence, also in the Japanese or 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 as symbolic elements at the entrance of all kinds of buildings.