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East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. An exceptional pair of architectural elements, each skillfully hand-carved from cream-hued marble to present a rectangular base, a projecting cuboid foot, and a large disc adorned with the relief tondo of 2 fu lions or foo dogs on one side and a lotus flower on the other. Facing one another, each of the mythical creatures displays a strong body with a sinuous tail and a bowed head. The mouths of both beasts hold one end of the endless or eternal knot - an auspicious sign of wisdom and interconnectedness. The periphery of each disc is further embellished by the relief image of a zoomorph holding an object in its mouth, while the remaining area of each sculpture is decorated with abstract and geometric motifs, such as the borders of repeated dots that encircle the tondos and the spiral and triangular designs below the discs. Size (both about the same): 19.3" L x 6" W x 13.6" H (49 cm x 15.2 cm x 34.5 cm)

The fu lion - known as "shi shi" in Chinese - is a highly stylized representation of a spiritual lion guardian that protected sacred buildings, tombs, or palaces against evil spirits or people. Lions were introduced to Chinese courts as early as the Han dynasty; however, interestingly, most artists relied on second-hand sources for descriptions, resulting in very stylized figures that were often mistaken as dogs by western viewers. The popular architectural protective figure originated in Imperial China and then spread into many Asian cultures. This mythical animal is often portrayed in a pair with a male and female creature, as seen in this example, to represent the balance between Yin and Yang.

The lotus flower is also another Chinese symbol rich with iconographic importance. Linked to the Buddhist images of purity and rebirth, the motif first appeared in Chinese art of the 12th and 13th century. The flower then became a symbol indicating the essence of enlightenment of those who have meditated on the profound Law of Buddhism. As lotus flowers are rooted in mud yet are able to float above the mire unsullied, they are often thought of as an allegory for one who can rise above the chaos of the world and resist the "muddy" emotions of attachment and desire.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#164909

Some minor abrasions and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are intact and excellent.