Buddhist Antiques, Asian and Indian Artifacts, Ceramic Foo Dogs

Gate Keepers and Guardians of Temples in China, Japan, Tibet and India

Vietnamese Foo Dogs

Foo Dogs, or Chinese Guardian Lions, are considered gate-keepers and guardians of temples and palaces in China, Japan, Tibet, and India, as well as other east Asian countries where Buddhism has thrived. The symbol of the Guardian Lions originated in India, where Asiatic lions were indigenous, and the idea migrated with Buddhism into other countries where there were no lions. The images began to change in China as the sculptures were modeled after various breeds of dogs that were considered to resemble lions. In China, the mythic version of this animal was referred to as the Lion of Fo, meaning the Lion of Buddha. Sometimes they are also called Fu Dogs, the word Fu meaning happiness. In modern times small versions of Fu Dogs have evolved from their original sacred meaning to symbolizing good fortune and prosperity in the home. In Tibet, these symbolic creatures are called Snow Lions, and are considered to be the national emblem. The Tibetan snow lion is one of four symbolic creatures of the mythical kingdom of Shambala, each representing fundamental qualities of sacred warriorship. The snow lion in particular represents cheerful discipline, fearlessness, vibrant energy, clarity and delight. In much Indian and Tibetan iconography great spiritual or temporal figures are represented on thrones supported by a pair of snow lions.

Foo Dogs are always depicted in pairs, representing male and female. Often the female lion, who sits on the left of the entrance, has her paw upon a small cub, representing the protection of family, life, and those inside the temple or home. The male sits on the right and has his paw on a ball or globe, representing protection of the structure itself, the dharma, and the world. Sometimes the pair is depicted with single pearls in their open mouths, the pearl representing wisdom, enlightenment, the moon, or good fortune. These beautifully detailed ceramic foo dogs are from Vietnam, 80 to 100 years old. They are unusual in that they also display some characteristics of dragons, with the horns on their heads, and each carries a small or baby lion/dog/dragon on their back.