Antique Pair of Stone Fu Lions, China (17044BOE) $695

Description

During the Ming and Qing dynasties small pairs of fu lions were very popular for use in private homes and outside as protective figures or in gardens. In the Buddhist tradition, they were portrayed as more friendly than fierce with their open mouths displaying sharp teeth but in a fanciful pose. They are a reminder that all sentient beings should live in peace and with compassion for each other. Frequently used in feng shui they balance positive and negative energy (chi) and are placed on either side of a door, entryway or windowsills looking forward with their raised paws facing each other to ward off evil and can also be used as garden accessories to protect the outdoor environment. Some believe they should be given thanks for their safe keeping, while the Chinese believe that spinning or touching the round object often found in their mouths brings good luck. This pair sit erect with forepaws resting on the ground with back legs crouching and front paws on an unusual orb. They are whimsical with smiles and open mouths extending the length of their faces almost meeting their eyebrows and ears held in a friendly manner. Two rows of incised hair frame their chins and heads and their manes are carved striated segments down the backs with five sets of swirls of neatly coiffed curls in the center ending with tails swept to one side and hanging over the high pedestal. Along with other cultural and religious objects, many fu lion images perished or were destroyed during China’s modernization and genuinely old ones, especially pairs, are becoming increasingly rare. Although there are signs of wear consistent with age and use the carvings are in very good condition.