An antique Chinese hand carved wood sculpture in the shape of a male Foo Dog or Guardian Lion with one ball in a mouth and one under a paw. The sculpture is mounted to a rectangular base. The male lion is depicted playing with a ball, symbolizing the sun, and the female lion is accompanied by its young. The figurine is painted in a red shade and gold patinated. Circa: 19th century. Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are traditional Chinese architectural ornaments. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi. They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs. The concept, which originated and became popular in Chinese Buddhism, features a pair of highly stylized lions often one male with a ball and one female with a cub which were thought to protect the building from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. Antique and Vintage Asian Oriental Netsuke, Figurines, Statues, Statuettes, and Collectibles.

Dimensions: Length 10 1/2 in", Height 11" in. All measurements are approximate