Ceramic Temple Guardian Lions (Shishi)

A very grand pair of ceramic Chinese Temple Guardian Lions (Shishi), often also referred to as Fu Dogs or Dogs of Fo. They are actually majestic lions modelled after the Buddhist traditions, styled with local Asian features by ancient artists who had never seen a real lion.  Believed to date from the late 19th Century, these floor standing giants make an imposing statement.  Most ceramic examples are small (upto 20cm tall), or displayed on bases to make them display larger......but also making them very thin and unattractive. Larger figures tend to be bronze or carved wood, so to find such a large pair in ceramic, makes these quite unique.

They would usually be displayed as a male and female pair to stand outside a temple (Yin and Yang) to present a balanced force of cosmic energy and defence.

Typically the male is displayed with an embroidered ball, or gem under his paw representing supremacy over the world and protection of the physical structure. The female figure would display with a cub under her paw representing nurture, life and protection of the people inside the temple (or home). These figures are typically placed outside Imperial Palaces and Temples as a sign of elite status and wealth.  The most striking examples being giant bronze figures outside the temple of the Forbidden City in Beijing.

This pair are both male (each has an embroidered ball under the paw), thus providing double protection. Although we have a pair, one of the pieces has experienced a life threatening injury, probably during the production process, hence why the line work is incomplete.  A butter fingered painter must have dropped the figure, and the legs and the tail sustained what appear to be separations from the body. However a skilled surgeon has reattached everything, and made some minor filling to the underside of the tip of the tail.

Each measures: 50cm tall x 40cm wide x 30cm deep

DELIVERY OF THIS ITEM: Due to the fragile nature and value of these pieces, we would prefer collection in person, or your own dedicated courier.  However we may be able to offer insured courier delivery of this item depending on your location - please contact us for a quotation before buying.