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.

Monumental Foo Dogs

Hollywood Regency Dog

Temple Lions

Temple Guardian

Pair Of Lions Garden Sculptures

Vintage Boho Monumental Cast Concrete Foo Dogs - a Pair

$2,950 / set

H 22 in W 22 in D 11 in

Vintage Boho Monumental Cast Concrete Foo Dogs - a Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

These monumental Foo Dogs are perfect for flanking entryways, gates, or garden paths, bringing an air of mystery and grandeur to your decor.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Bohemian Animal Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

Vintage Asian Hand Carved Foo Dogs - a Pair

$1,950 / set

H 36 in W 15 in D 15 in

Vintage Asian Hand Carved Foo Dogs - a Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Whether you're an avid collector or looking to add a touch of Asian-inspired flair to your home, these monumental Foo Dogs are sure to infuse your space with an aura of timeless arti...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of monumental bronze Foo Dogs

$7,500 / set

H 46 in W 39 in D 17 in

Pair of monumental bronze Foo Dogs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Monumental pair of opposing bronze foo dogs or guardian lions… This is a male and female pair.

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Statues

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Boho Monumental Carved Stone Foo Dogs - A Pair

$4,450 / set

H 30 in W 13.5 in D 19 in

Vintage Boho Monumental Carved Stone Foo Dogs - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Invite an aura of ancient protection and global mystique into your space with this monumental pair of vintage carved stone Foo Dogs. Traditionally known as guardian lions, these impr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Monumental Carved Pair of Marble Foo Dogs from China

$30,400Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 63 in W 26 in D 37 in

Monumental Carved Pair of Marble Foo Dogs from China

Located in Stamford, CT

Great pair of monumental carved marble foo dogs from China. Each statue measures 63 x 26 x 37 and have substantial weight.

Category

20th Century Chinese Garden Ornaments

Materials

Marble

One Pair of Monumental Carved Wood Foo Dogs Mounted as Lamps

$2,600 / set

H 35 in W 9 in D 9 in

One Pair of Monumental Carved Wood Foo Dogs Mounted as Lamps

Located in Buchanan, MI

One pair monumental carved wood foo dogs mounted as lamps. Lovely old color and patination.

Category

Mid-20th Century English Table Lamps

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Carved Foo Dogs

$17,500 / set

H 59.5 in W 22 in D 36 in

Pair of Chinese Carved Foo Dogs

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of Asian Chinese style (19/20th Cent) carved and painted monumental seated foo dogs with colored glass trim

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Vintage Boho Painted Wood Foo Dogs - a Pair

$2,950 / set

H 23.5 in W 21.5 in D 11.75 in

Vintage Boho Painted Wood Foo Dogs - a Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Make a bold statement with this pair of vintage boho monumental painted wood Foo Dogs. These intricately carved guardians are adorned with vibrant colors and detailed craftsmanship, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Palace Size Chinese Blue and White Ginger Jars, Foo Dog Lids

$5,500 / set

H 43 in Dm 16 in

Vintage Palace Size Chinese Blue and White Ginger Jars, Foo Dog Lids

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

The lids are topped with opposing foo dogs. These monumental size jars are rare and imposing.

Category

20th Century Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

2 Rare Chinese Marble Foo Dog Guardian Fu Lion Temple Garden Statues 41"

$24,000

H 41 in W 15 in D 22.5 in

2 Rare Chinese Marble Foo Dog Guardian Fu Lion Temple Garden Statues 41"

Located in Dayton, OH

Two monumental antique Chinese Foo Dogs, circa mid 20th century.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Statues

Materials

Marble

Recent Sales

Monumental Pair of Ceramic Foo Dogs

Sold

H 23 in W 13 in D 13 in

Monumental Pair of Ceramic Foo Dogs

Located in North Miami, FL

Pair of white ceramic Foo Dogs with a lot of texturing and intricate design work. Black painted eyes and one dog with pup. The Asian Foo Dog is known to bring good luck, especially w...

Category

20th Century Chinese Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Monumental Carved Wood Painted Foo Dogs

Sold

H 57 in W 27 in D 37 in

Pair of Monumental Carved Wood Painted Foo Dogs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Chinese monumental carved wood painted Foo dogs. Beautiful worn painted finish in soft hues of blue, green, yellow and rose.

Category

20th Century Chinese Other Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Monumental Pair of Carved Wood Painted Foo Dogs

Sold

H 36 in W 14 in D 21 in

Monumental Pair of Carved Wood Painted Foo Dogs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Very large pair of Chinese carved wood foo dogs. Beautiful patina of worn painted finish.

Category

20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Vintage Monumental Asian Carved Wood Foo Dogs - a Pair

Sold

H 35.75 in W 20.75 in D 14.25 in

Vintage Monumental Asian Carved Wood Foo Dogs - a Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Add a touch of timeless elegance and cultural significance to your home or garden with this stunning pair of vintage Asian carved wood Foo Dogs. These magnificent guardians feature a...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Statues

Materials

Wood

Monumental in Scale Fabulous Green Terracotta Foo Dogs on Stands

Sold

H 25 in W 23 in D 12 in

Monumental in Scale Fabulous Green Terracotta Foo Dogs on Stands

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Spectacular pair of terra cotta glazed crouching foo dogs on rosewood stands.

Category

Vintage 1950s Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-20th Century Monumental Glazed Ceramic Foo Dogs With Green Orbs and Floral A

Sold

H 16 in W 7 in D 15 in

Mid-20th Century Monumental Glazed Ceramic Foo Dogs With Green Orbs and Floral A

Located in North Fort Myers, FL

A dynamic and bold pair of Mid-20th Century glazed ceramic Foo Dogs (or guardian lions), crafted with fierce expression, open mouths, and powerful stances—each resting one paw on a v...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Garden Ornaments

Materials

Ceramic

Monumental Pair of Tony Duquette Bronze Thai Foo Dog Inlaid With Mica

Sold

H 41 in W 12 in D 29 in

Monumental Pair of Tony Duquette Bronze Thai Foo Dog Inlaid With Mica

By Tony Duquette

Located in Atlanta, GA

An absolutely incredible pair of antique bronze foo dogs of monumental size. Each sculpture is cast in solid bronze and inset with colored mica and other precious objects.

Category

20th Century Thai Hollywood Regency Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of Foo Dog Lamps

Sold

H 44 in Dm NaN in

A Pair of Foo Dog Lamps

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A pair of monumental blanc de chine Foo Dogs on custom bases French mounted as lamps with original shades.

Category

20th Century American Table Lamps

2 Rare Antique Chinese Marble Foo Dog Guardian Lion Fu Temple Garden Statues

Sold

H 44 in W 26 in D 17.5 in

2 Rare Antique Chinese Marble Foo Dog Guardian Lion Fu Temple Garden Statues

Located in Dayton, OH

Two monumental antique Chines Chinese foo dogs, circa last quarter 19th century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Marble

Monumental Pair of Glazed White Foo Dogs

Sold

H 30 in W 14.625 in D 11.25 in

Monumental Pair of Glazed White Foo Dogs

Located in Pasadena, CA

Large and impressive pair of foo dogs in white glaze, early 20th century. Excellent vintage condition.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Chinese Monumental Foo Dogs

Sold

H 29 in W 22 in D 10 in

Pair of Chinese Monumental Foo Dogs

By Yuhua Ceramic Company

Located in Sarasota, FL

This very special pair of monumental Foo Dogs come from Shi Wan Kiln, in Guangzhou, China made by the Yuhua Ceramic Company between the dates of 1912-1945.

Category

Vintage 1930s Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Monumental Foo Dogs on Stands

Sold

H 42.5 in W 15.5 in D 26 in

Pair of Monumental Foo Dogs on Stands

Located in Sarasota, FL

The pair of turquoise glazed monumental foo dogs on separate stands are well done month open, tongue extended, male holding the world and the female holding the baby.

Category

Vintage 1910s Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

People Also Browsed

Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs

$4,800 / set

H 23 in W 12.5 in D 12 in

Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs

Located in Atlanta, GA

Pair of Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purchased from the Manhattan estate ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Satsuma Kutani Porcelain Foo Dogs Sculptures/Figurines

$825 / set

H 12.5 in W 12 in D 8.5 in

Pair of Japanese Satsuma Kutani Porcelain Foo Dogs Sculptures/Figurines

By Satsuma

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

This is a pair of Japanese Satsuma Kutani porcelain Foo Dogs. They are hand painted white and adorned with gilt and silver suns, flowers and scrolls. Both of them are playing with a ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Large Carved Chinese Wood Foo Dogs

$1,650 / set

H 18 in W 20 in D 8 in

Pair of Large Carved Chinese Wood Foo Dogs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of large & impressive carved Chinese foo dogs.

Category

20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Pair of Cast Stone Foo Dogs, Firedogs

$2,500 / set

H 18.5 in W 8 in D 13 in

Pair of Cast Stone Foo Dogs, Firedogs

Located in San Francisco, CA

Playful pair of cast stone fire dogs, Foo Dog style. Great for use in a fireplace - the pair is identical.

Category

Mid-20th Century Central Asian Other Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Materials

Cast Stone

Hollywood Regency Marble Foo Dog Sculptures, Hand-Carved, China, 1950s

$12,000 / set

H 19 in W 8 in D 12 in

Hollywood Regency Marble Foo Dog Sculptures, Hand-Carved, China, 1950s

By Tony Duquette

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Hollywood Regency hand carved marble garden Foo Dog sculptures on marble plinth bases.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Hollywood Regency Garden Ornaments

Materials

Marble

20th Century Antique Chinese Qing Era Porcelain Foo Dogs

$13,500

H 27 in W 15 in D 22 in

20th Century Antique Chinese Qing Era Porcelain Foo Dogs

Located in Pomona, CA

This pair of magnificent Chinese antique Porcelain lions/foo dogs statuary are hand made and hand carved porcelain. According to historical books, lions were introduced into Mainland...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

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Monumental Foo Dogs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of monumental foo dogs is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique monumental foo dogs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using ceramic, bronze and metal. Monumental foo dogs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century.