Antiques: On Guard

Traditionally carved in stone and placed at the entrance to a temple or palace, intense-looking Chinese guardian lions, often called foo dogs, are said to embody the ferocity of a lion with the loyalty of man’s best friend. The mythic creatures are always displayed in twos—the male with one paw on a ball and the female with a cub underfoot.
    

The earliest versions are from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE). This particular porcelain pair ($3,350) was made in China circa 1860, in the famille verte green and yellow color palette. They are twelve and a half inches high and five inches wide, with movable eyes and open mouths; the bases are decorated with pierced cartouches. These days, porcelain foo dogs are typically found guarding a row of books on a shelf or protecting a fireplace mantle, bringing luck and good fortune despite their intimidating grimaces. (MAY 2009)
 

THE GOODS

Susan Silver Antiques

755 North Main St

Sheffield, Mass.

www.susansilverantiques.com