Chinese Qing Dynasty Mid 19th Century Hand-Carved Foo Dog Temple Decoration

A Chinese Qing dynasty period hand-carved stone foo dog temple sculpture from the mid 19th century mounted on custom base. Created in China during the 1850s, this foo dog sculpture features a lion sitting on his hind legs with his front left paw resting on a decorated rail while his right paw is propped up on a ball. His mane presents curled tresses in the front while long straight locks fall on his back. As is common with foo dogs, his mouth is open, exposing his teeth to the viewer. This sculpture is mounted on a black wooden base.

The name foo dog is actually a mistake made in the west. In reality these imperial Chinese guardians are lions, which were believed to have powerful mythic, protective benefits and often sat outside government buildings and temples. This two foot high hand-carved Qing dynasty foo dog temple decoration will make a stunning addition to any home, perhaps in a doorway or a foyer, or in a garden protecting it from voracious rabbits and deer.