Antique Carved Lacquered Pair of Fu Lions on Pedestals, China (19074ASE) $995
$995.00
H: 12″ D: 7″ D: 7.75″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030
This very fine pair of antique carved males fu lions represents the dual nature of these mythical animals: as protective images they are powerful and fierce, as Buddhist images they are whimsical with smiling faces, dangling tongues, hanging ears and bushy tails. They are extremely well carved with harnesses and bells around their necks, detailed manes and tails on high intricately decorated bases to signal their importance. Perfect for enhancing feng shui in a home or office, large finely decorative wood pairs like this are extremely hard to find.
Description
While larger stone fu-lions pairs protected imperial and government buildings and rich residences, carvers in provincial areas took great liberties depicting these auspicious mythical animals as folk art in all sorts of public, religious and domestic settings. During the Ming and Qing fu lions were especially popular in smaller versions in homes and gardens as free-standing statues, images on furniture and architectural designs and as decorative motifs on textiles, wood, clay and leather pieces as harbingers of prosperity. Whimsical versions were incorporated in functional objects like candlestick holders, bed posts, furniture legs, weights and garden accessories as decorative and protective figures and to bring luck and the Five Blessings and Happinesses associated with fu: longevity, riches, good health and peace, virtue and a natural death. Although generally depicted as a male and female, smaller pairs like this may be two males with bells, orbs and symbols of prosperity. In the Buddhist tradition, although they are guardian figures, these personal images were portrayed as more friendly than fierce with engaging faces and fanciful poses. They also remind us that all sentient beings should live in peace and with compassion. Frequently used in feng shui to balance energy (chi), they are recommended to be placed near or opposite the front door or on a small table to protect the home or office. This wonderful antique-Chinese-wood-carving is a pair of males painted in red (the color of fu) covered with lacquer and wearing harnesses and bells around their necks. They are sejant with a foot resting on an orb on high, intricately decorated plinths with a lotus image on each side and covered with a ritual cloth to signal their importance. The lions’ power and ferocity are expressed in strong stances, open mouths with sharp teeth, bulging eyes, long-clawed feet and their sheer massiveness. Their whimsical nature is expressed in their smiling mouths, friendly hanging tongues, ears resting downward and a general docile pose. Pairs of carved wood fu are now very difficult to find. This folk art pair is in excellent condition except for expected chips on the hair and base of one figure.
Additional information
Weight | 8.5 lbs |
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Dimensions | 3.75 × 14 × 12 in |
Place of Origin | China |
Period | Antique, Qing Dynasty |
Date | 19th Century |
Materials and Technique | Wood |
Dimensions (inches) | Ht: 12" W: 7" D: 7.75" |
Dimensions (metric) | Ht: 30.48cm W: 17.78cm D: 9.52cm |
Condition | Excellent, minor scratches/paint losses consistent with age and use, no restorations/repairs |
Item Number | 19074ASE |
Shipping Box Size | Oversized. Call 213-568-3030 or email [email protected] for shipping. |