A matched pair of older Chinese Carved Soapstone Shishi / Foo Lions / Dogs. The female with cub and male with a ball. Each measures approximately 2.50x1.75x3.50. Wt. 1 pd 4 oz combined.. Chinese guardian lions, known as Shishi or pinyin are literally, Chinese Imperial guardian lions, and often incorrectly called Foo Dogs, or Dogs of Fo in the West. The Shishi are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China, and have traditionally stood before Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy. The earliest manifestations of this Guardian form appeared in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), and were believed to have powerful mythic protective qualities. Pairs of guardian lions are still common worldwide decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures, with one sitting on each side of the entrance. The lions are always created in pairs, with the male resting his right paw upon the world (often thought to be a ball) and the female restraining a playful cub with her left paw. Wt. 8 pds combined.

Older pair, some minor scuffs, good