What is the meaning of foo dogs?

What the meaning of foo dog artwork is largely comes down to personal interpretation. Traditionally, the figures, also called guardian lions, represent protection, success, wealth and good fortune. Because they originate from China, the lion-dog hybrid creatures sometimes symbolize Chinese culture. On 1stDibs, find a variety of foo dog artwork.

Yes, foo dogs are lions. Foo dogs are believed to be Chinese guardian lions and are typically made of stone. Foo dogs are often displayed in pairs outside of entrances to act as guardians for the home. Shop a selection of foo dogs on 1stDibs.

What are foo dogs made of?

Traditional foo dogs, also known as fu dogs and lion dogs, are made from stone. Foo dogs are traditional Chinese ornaments believed to be guardians of the home, with pairs being displayed at the entrances. Shop a wide selection of authentic foo dogs through 1stDibs.

What do Chinese foo dogs represent?

Chinese foo dogs are called “shishi” in China, which translates to “stone lion”. Shishi were traditionally placed in pairs outside of palaces, offices, temples and bridges to protect the home from evil spirits. Browse a selection of antique foo dog sculptures on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my Staffordshire dog is antique?

There are a few signs to look for to authenticate an antique Staffordshire dog figurine. Antique figurines are press molded and feature a small hole in the base, rather than a larger one. The quality of the painting is highly detailed and gilded detail may be worn a bit with age. It is always best to have a professional verify if your figurine is authentic. Shop a range of expertly vetted Staffordshire dog figures on 1stDibs.

Antique Foo Dogs

Dog Vase

Guardian Dogs

Chinese Guardian Lion

Porcelain Lion

Chinese Qing Dog

Ceramic Dogs

Pair Of Porcelain Dogs

Asian Lions

18th Century Camel Blue Chinese Ningxia Main Hall Carpet 12'8''x13'4'' Wool Rug

$375,000

18th Century Camel Blue Chinese Ningxia Main Hall Carpet 12'8''x13'4'' Wool Rug

Located in New York, NY

The central composition features two highly stylized, confronting Foo Dogs, swirling amidst stylized clouds and water elements, all contained within a large circular medallion.

Category

1720s Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antique Foo Dogs

Materials

Wool

Silk Embroidery Artwork in a Gilt Frame, France, 19th Century

$515

Silk Embroidery Artwork in a Gilt Frame, France, 19th Century

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

An elegant, hand-embroidered silk piece depicting two Foo lions (or imperial guardian dogs) surrounding a symbolic central medallion.

Category

19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Foo Dogs

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Pair Of Chinese Hardstone Guardian Lions

$3,550 / set

Pair Of Chinese Hardstone Guardian Lions

Located in Norwood, NJ

Pair of hand carved Chinese Jade hardstone Foo Lions or Fu Dogs. This pair of Chinese spinach jade appears to be a nephrite, covered vases having a figural foo lion design with raise...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Foo Dogs

Materials

Jade

Antique Chinese Textile Silk Foo dogs

$6,876

Antique Chinese Textile Silk Foo dogs

Located in Ferrara, IT

This is an extremely unique and beautiful antique Chinese silk and metal threaded embroidery woven during the end of the 19th century and measures 320 x 188 CM in size. This piece’s ...

Category

19th Century Chinese Other Antique Foo Dogs

Materials

Metal

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Antique Foo Dogs For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of antique foo dogs for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique foo dogs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using ceramic, porcelain and wood. Antique foo dogs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique foo dogs are generally popular furniture pieces, but Folk Art, Hollywood Regency and Mid-Century Modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs.

How Much are Antique Foo Dogs?

Antique foo dogs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,800, while the lowest priced sells for $100 and the highest can go for as much as $135,000.

Questions About Antique Foo Dogs

What is the meaning of foo dogs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What the meaning of foo dog artwork is largely comes down to personal interpretation. Traditionally, the figures, also called guardian lions, represent protection, success, wealth and good fortune. Because they originate from China, the lion-dog hybrid creatures sometimes symbolize Chinese culture. On 1stDibs, find a variety of foo dog artwork.
Is a foo dog a lion?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, foo dogs are lions. Foo dogs are believed to be Chinese guardian lions and are typically made of stone. Foo dogs are often displayed in pairs outside of entrances to act as guardians for the home. Shop a selection of foo dogs on 1stDibs.
What are foo dogs made of?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Traditional foo dogs, also known as fu dogs and lion dogs, are made from stone. Foo dogs are traditional Chinese ornaments believed to be guardians of the home, with pairs being displayed at the entrances. Shop a wide selection of authentic foo dogs through 1stDibs.
What do Chinese foo dogs represent?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Chinese foo dogs are called “shishi” in China, which translates to “stone lion”. Shishi were traditionally placed in pairs outside of palaces, offices, temples and bridges to protect the home from evil spirits. Browse a selection of antique foo dog sculptures on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my Staffordshire dog is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a few signs to look for to authenticate an antique Staffordshire dog figurine. Antique figurines are press molded and feature a small hole in the base, rather than a larger one. The quality of the painting is highly detailed and gilded detail may be worn a bit with age. It is always best to have a professional verify if your figurine is authentic. Shop a range of expertly vetted Staffordshire dog figures on 1stDibs.