Pair of Japanese Ceramic Fu Dogs

These petite ceramic fu dog figurines likely once stood upon a home altar as incense burners to accompany ritual ancestor worship. Also known as shizi, pairs of fu dog lions are beli...

This small ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protect their elaborate hairstyles by elevating the head during slumber. This example dates to the mid-20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with dark, cobalt-blue color. Each side of the headrest has a quadrilobe cartouche framing two mythical fu lions playing with a brocade ball, a motif that evokes the idiom "may you and your descendant achieve high rank." A powerful and benevolent guardian, the fu lion (shizi) is the perfect force to protect against nightmares and bad energy. The playful scene is surrounded by a cracked ice pattern dotted with plum blossoms, symbols of winter and longevity. A geometric meander trims the corners and small bats frame coin...

This square ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to prote...

This small ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protec...

Beautifully rendered with expressive brushwork, the painted decoration on this monumental globular jar demonstrates the exceptional artistry of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. Guar...

To keep her elaborate hairstyle intact while sleeping, a well-to-do Qing-dynasty woman once used this ceramic headrest as a pillow. The headrest is shaped as a crouching house cat, w...

A fabulous large pair of Italian terracotta Fu dogs. The opposing pair are ornately handmade and hand painted with vibrant jewel tones.

Great pair of mid-century polychrome glazed ceramic foo dogs, circa 1960s. Great detail and a beautiful color combination of green, brown, cream and blue; the pair measure 12" W x 8....

Great pair of mid-century polychrome glazed ceramic foo dogs, circa 1960s. Great detail and a beautiful color combination of yellow, green and brown; the pair measure 15.5"W x 7.5"D ...

Great pair of mid-century polychrome glazed ceramic foo dogs from China, circa 1950s. Great detail and a beautiful color combination of yellow, green and brown; the pair measure 14"W...

Attractive large Chinese pair of hand painted glazed pottery winged Fu-dogs in walking position. The Fu-dogs can be used indoors or outdoors, they...

Fantastic pair of mid-century Chinese ceramic polychrome incense censer foo dogs, circa 1970s. Great detail and a beautiful color combination of yellow, green and brown; the pair mea...