Terms and conditions of use
Pair of Fu dogs
(17th century-18th century)
- Medium
- porcelain
- Measurements
- (a) 33.6 × 10.2 × 14.4 cm (Fu dog)
(b) 34.0 × 10.2 × 14.2 cm (Fu dog) - Place/s of Execution
- Dehua, Fujian province, south-east China, China
- Accession Number
- 631.a-b-D4
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1947
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation - Gallery location
- Gallery 18
Level 3, NGV Australia - About this work
-
Originating in China, these mythical creatures are commonly reffered to as fu dogs but are in fact protective lions. Statues of these mythological guardians often stand at the entrances of temples, palaces and homes to protect against disease and bad spirits. Generally placed in pairs comprising a female and a male, together they represent the balance of Yin and Yang. Known by various names across Asia including shishi in China and komainu in Japan, the Westernised term ‘fu dog’ is likely the result of a misinterpretation due to their resemblance to small breeds of dog.
- Physical description
- (a) Decorated with ribbons and bells, seated with its left foot on floral ball, on rectangular base. Vertical tube for incense on base. Cracking in base and ribbons. (b) Decorated with ribbons and bells, seated with its right foot on floral ball, on rectangular base. Vertical tube for incense on base broken off.