- Dimensions: 10 × 5.7 × 4 cm
- Weight: approx. 427 g each
- Material: Brass
- Period: Second half of the 20th century
- Condition: Vintage piece with patina, surface wear and areas of oxidation
Symbolism
Fu Dog statues, also known as Chinese guardian lions, symbolise protection, strength and good fortune. Traditionally they appear as a pair: the male rests his paw on a ball representing power and the world, while the female protects a cub, symbolising the continuity of life and the wellbeing of the family. In traditional symbolism this pairing also represents the balance of masculine and feminine forces.
Fu Dog figures often form a symbolic pair in which one holds its mouth open and the other closed. This is sometimes interpreted through the A–Un principle: the open mouth represents the beginning and the outward breath (“A”), while the closed mouth represents the end and the inward breath (“Un”), together symbolising the totality and balance of existence. In traditional Chinese iconography, the manes of guardian lions are often depicted as stylised cloud-like curls, representing symbolic energy – heavenly power, qi, and protection.
Historically these statues were placed at the entrances of temples, palaces and important buildings to ward off evil and guard the space. The male protects the building and the outside world, while the female safeguards life within the home. Today they are often used in interior décor and as a feng shui symbol representing protection, balance and prosperity. In feng shui, Fu Dog statues are placed on either side of an entrance facing outwards; when viewed from inside looking out, the male is placed on the left and the female on the right.
Historical Background
Chinese guardian lions appeared in Chinese art early on, particularly through the influence of Buddhism during the first millennium. Since lions are not native to China, they were originally known as exotic and powerful animals, which strengthened their symbolic role as protectors. Over time their visual form became standardized, and they were produced in stone, bronze, and other metals to guard the entrances of important buildings. These brass statues are modern decorative pieces inspired by these traditional forms, made for interior display.
