Chinese, 19th century (Ch'ing Dynasty, circa 1821-1850). Pair of large, heavy, hand carved white granite fu or foo dogs. Each dog or guardian lion with ribbed curled mane at top of slightly tilted head, open mouth exposing teeth, faces well rendered with angled eyes and rounded noses. Foo dog (or shi) pair fit within standard manifestation of yin and yang philosophy with female dog representing yin and male dog representing yang. Male with ball ("Embroidered Ball") under paw with floral motif, female with small fu dog cub under paw symbolizing the cycle of life. Each guardian lion seated on a rectangular plinth base with lotus flower motif and draped pendant clothes (female with cherry blossoms on branches, male with scrolled foliates) further supported on wooden stands. Each with collars with tapered tassels and bells at front of chest. Both apparently unmarked. Overall (including wooden support) approximate height 28.8", width 9.75", depth 14". Provenance & Additional Notes: Circa 1901--Brought (with a similar pair of fu dogs) from China to Chicago, Illinois by USN Lt. John B. Fenimore after the Boxer Rebellion; 1934--Lt. Fenimore dies and his estate sells at auction including two pairs of fu dogs; 1934--Foo dog pairs purchased by Hearst family and Mrs. Carol Insinger, an extended member of the DuPont family (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); 1936--Mrs. Insinger obtains appraisal from Sotheby Gallery of New York City, New York for $10,000 for pair. 1950--Mrs Insinger relocates to Miami, Florida until death in 1983; 1983-- Fu dog pair in this lot thence by descent transfers ownership to her nephew; 1988--Mrs. Insinger's nephew sells the guardian lions to Mr. Gerald C. McGee, Jr.; 1989- Mr. Gerald C. McGee, Jr. obtains appraisal from Mr. Thomas McLeod Jr. for the lot with an appraisal of $35,000-$60,000. Copy of McLeod appraisal available upon request.

Prior to bidding, please consult the additional photos provided and ask all pertinent questions (i.e. condition, size, shipping, etc.). For a condition report, please email Condition@AandOauctions.com. For additional photos, please email Photos@AandOauctions.com.