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Pair of 19th Century Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Lamps
$8,500per set
£6,567.72per set
€7,592.91per set
CA$12,011.11per set
A$13,471.26per set
CHF 7,054.69per set
MX$163,688.99per set
NOK 89,582.78per set
SEK 84,930.78per set
DKK 56,677.09per set
About the Item
A striking and sculptural pair of mid-19th century Chinese bronze foo dog incense burners, later converted into lamps in the early 20th century. These richly cast guardian figures—symbols of protection, power, and prosperity—reflect the grandeur of Qing dynasty artistry. Their dynamic poses, expressive modeling, and ceremonial scale elevate them from decorative objects to architectural elements.
Originally fire-gilded, these bronzes still show traces of red bole, the clay underlayer traditionally used to give gold leaf its warmth and depth. Over time, the gilded surfaces have worn to reveal a beautifully mellowed patina, adding age and character to their imposing forms. The bases alone measure 16 inches tall (not including lamp hardware), emphasizing their sculptural impact.
Throughout the 19th century, as China expanded its trade relationships with the West, decorative objects like these were exported to Europe and the United States, where they became coveted elements in grand interiors. By the early 20th century, it was common for such pieces to be converted to electric lighting, transforming ceremonial or symbolic objects into functional and stylish elements in elite Western homes.
The appeal of chinoiserie and authentic Chinese export goods endured across centuries, shaping interiors in both Europe and America. These lamps reflect that legacy—an intersection of reverence for craftsmanship and adaptation to modern life.
This particular pair comes from Belle Isle Plantation in Virginia, a historic estate whose interiors were celebrated enough to be partially acquired by the Winterthur Museum in Delaware, one of the foremost institutions of American decorative arts. Their presence in such a refined domestic setting speaks to their status as collector-grade pieces.
Pieces like these would have been purchased through high-end antiques dealers in New York, Boston, or London, or acquired directly through estate channels and international shipments. In the 1920s and 30s, decorators and tastemakers such as Elsie de Wolfe, Frances Elkins, and Rose Cumming frequently sourced Chinese decorative arts to add drama, symbolism, and global elegance to their interiors. Today, top designers including Michael S. Smith, Veere Grenney, and Charlotte Moss continue this tradition—layering objects like these into richly textured, historically resonant rooms.
Whether used to flank a console, anchor a mantel, or bring sculptural gravity to a library or study, these lamps are far more than lighting. They are rare, culturally layered design objects that speak to centuries of cross-cultural exchange, global taste, and reinterpreted ritual.
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Qing (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Bronze,Polished
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-19th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. one small spoke on the ball under one foot missing, one top piece very slightly wiggles but this is normal for age.
- Seller Location:Kilmarnock, VA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU88302630792
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