Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Bali, ca. 19th century CE. An imposing stone carving of a female guardian lion, also known as a shi shi or foo dog, seated on her haunches with her left front paw resting on her young, who is curiously positioned upside-down. Crowned by a luscious mane of dense coils, the fierce feline faces forward, her wide eyes bulging from her head and mouth agape as though releasing a deep roar, simultaneously exposing 2 rows of sharp teeth. Wisps of hair extend from her square chin, falling onto her puffed chest which is adorned by a broad color of incised meander motif and a suspended bell. Guardian lions like this example are traditionally carved from decorative stone, such as marble or granite, or cast in bronze or iron. Because of the high cost of these materials and the labor required to produce them, private use of guardian lions was traditionally reserved for wealthy or elite families. Size: 14" L x 11.25" W x 24" H (35.6 cm x 28.6 cm x 61 cm)

The "foo dog" is a western name for the Chinese "shi shi", the guardian lions that protected sacred buildings against evil. 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.

A matching stone male guardian lion is also available for purchase. Please inquire if interested.

This item is oversized and requires special shipping.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobayashi collection, Hawaii, USA

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#185271

Age-expected weathering and surface wear with some chipping in areas as shown. Otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remaining detail and encrustations in areas, especially above snout.