These red porcelain Fu Dogs are made from cast porcelain and are intricately hand painted. Their fiery colors and gold detailing make for spectacular examples of sculpture derived from Chinese mythology. Each of the pair grasps swords in their mouths and holds a ball. The ball symbolizes the world and is decorated with cut out longevity symbols. Traditionally Fu Dogs, also called Foo Dogs, or "Shi" in Chinese, are guardians. They combine the ferocity of a lion with the loyalty of trusted canines. Foo Dogs stand guard outside the throne room of the Emperor in the Forbidden City and at imperial sites throughout China. Originally introduced to China with Buddhism, the Foo Dog has a close association with Buddha and Chinese concepts of harmony such as Feng Shui. The Buddha is sometimes depicted riding on the back of a lion or a Fu Dog. Lions are not native to China and the concepts of both the king of beasts and Buddhism arrived together in the Middle Kingdom. Fu Dogs first appear in Asian art around 200 BC. Foo Dogs protect you from negative Chi and promote a balance of Yin and Yang. Interior Designers use Foo Dogs to add an exotic Asian touch to a room; place them on end tables, coffee tables, bookshelves or desks. This set makes an impressive decoration or gift. These are original works of art crafted by hand in traditional workshops in the Pearl River Delta region of China. Each pair will have the characteristics of individually painted porcelain figurines. Size is approximately nine inches tall, eight inches wide and five inches deep.

Hand painted cast porcelain figurines with colorful filigree work

Sold by the pair, left and right facing Fu Dogs

Painted in festive red, orange, yellow and gold colors

Size: each statue is 8"x 8.75"H

Hand made by traditional artist in the Pearl River Delta