East Asia, China, Ming to Qing Dynasty, ca. 17th to early 19th century CE. A beautiful hand-carved stone panel of a fu lion, or "foo dog" in low relief upon an integral stone plinth with a scalloped edge like a cloud. The "foo dog" is a western name for the Chinese "shi shi", the guardian lions that protected sacred buildings against evil spirits or people. Lions were brought to ancient Chinese courts as early as the Han dynasty, but most artists relied on second-hand sources for descriptions, resulting in very stylized figures, often mistaken as dogs by western viewers. The celestial lion was regarded as a powerful animal with mythical qualities relating to Buddhism and royalty. Often portrayed in a pair with a male and female creature to represent the balance between Yin and Yang. Size: 16" L x 4.5" W x 11.75" H (40.6 cm x 11.4 cm x 29.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#175138

Stable fissure and degrading to surface and chipping on verso of plinth. Old chips and losses to upper periphery and along lion's legs. Softening to finer details. Exposure to elements and water has softened the base, but obverse panel relief is in good condition.