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21

Pair of Fo Lions, Carved from Bamboo Root, China, Qing

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:400.00 EUR Estimated At:640.00 - 800.00 EUR
Pair of Fo Lions, Carved from Bamboo Root, China, Qing
Bamboo root, carved and painted
China, Qing dynasty (1644-1912)
Finely carved faces
Detailed presentation
Beautiful patina
Height: 19 cm

This pair of Fo lions was carved from bamboo root. The figures are presented, in the conventional manner, as a male/female pair, a manifestation of yin and yang, with the male resting his paw on an embroidered ball ‘xiù qiú’ (??) – signifying supremacy over the world. The female is holding a playful lion cub as a symbol of nurture and compassion. The detailed faces are highlighted in red.



The two figures show signs of age and wear with some material abrasions. There are traces of worm infestation (inactive). Some areas show repairs. The height is 19 cm.



Fo Lions

Fo lions, also called guardian lions, enjoy high popularity in Chinese art. Their appearance reminds one of a mixture of a dragon and a lion. These mythical creatures usually come in pairs and were originally positioned to guard the entrance of Buddhist temples. In the arts and crafts, they are often refigured as doorknockers or decorative ceramic, marble, or bronze vessels.
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