**Originally Listed At $4000**

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A beautiful hand-carved stone panel made from a massive piece of granite featuring symbolic fu lions! The front side is carved with two fu lions, or "foo dogs" in relief. In their mouths are swirling shapes, which may represent the strands of an endless knot; the endless or eternal knot is an auspicious sign of wisdom and interconnectedness. The fu lion is a highly stylized representation of a spiritual lion guardian that protected sacred buildings, tombs, or palaces against evil spirits or people. Lions were introduced to Chinese courts as early as the Han dynasty; however, interestingly, most artists relied on second-hand sources for descriptions, resulting in very stylized figures that were often mistaken as dogs by western viewers. A well-preserved carving, replete with layers of symbolism! Size: 31.75" L x 2.5" W x 17" H (80.6 cm x 6.4 cm x 43.2 cm); 20.75" H (52.7 cm) on included custom stand.

The "foo dog" is a western name for the Chinese "shi shi", the guardian lion that was a popular architectural protective figure originating in Imperial China that spread into many Asian cultures. Often portrayed in a pair with a male and female creature to represent the balance between Yin and Yang.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162452

Losses and chips to peripheries. Surface abrasions and weathering commensurate with age. Wonderful details!