Foo-Dog, Hardstone, Hand Carved, Archaic Style, Chinese.

Foo-Dog, Hardstone, Hand Carved, Archaic Style, Chinese.

Foo Dogs can be traced as early as the Han Dynasty. Their first appearance was in Chinese art, which dates back to approximately 208 BC to about 221 AD. Foo Dogs vanished for nearly 400 years after their first appearance. They later returned in the T’ang Dynasty that was in power from 618 to 917 AD. Foo Dogs were popular because of their meaning. The Lion is a creature of the feline race that is known as the proud master of all cats. Its introduction to Chinese art coincided with Buddhism. The Foo Dog was the protector of sacred buildings and a defender of the law. The dogs were commonly placed at business institutions, temple gates, home entrances, and estates. It was also not uncommon to see these sacred dogs guarding tombs or placed in front of government buildings to scare evil spirits. Throughout the ages, Foo Dogs were frequently given as gifts to the Emperor. They would be presented in sculptures or in the form of artwork. 

Item Code - STO3B326MA

Width: 9"  Height: 5 3/4"  Depth: 3 3/8"  Weight: 2.577 kg