Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

Pair of Chinese Sancai Fu Lion Protectors, c. 1850

About the Item

Believed to be powerful protectors against malevolent spirits, fu lion dogs have stood guard at the entryways and thresholds of Chinese homes for centuries. This pair of small ceramic fu dogs dates to the mid-19th century and were likely used as incense burners atop an altar or plant stand. The figures are glazed in the style of ancient sancai ware, or three color ware, named for the characteristic blend of green, amber, and creme-colored glaze. Though not identical, these two lions make a perfect pair, shaped with curly manes, open jaws and matching crouched positions.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)Width: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)Depth: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Stoneware,Glazed
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    c. 1850
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CMK1281stDibs: LU820041467082

More From This Seller

View All
Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Headrest with Guardian Lion, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In order to keep her elaborate hairstyle intact while sleeping, a well-to-do Qing-dynasty woman once used this ceramic box as a pillow. Lavishly decorated in the traditional blue-and...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Fu Lion Fantail Vase, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
This porcelain vase from the early 20th-century is sculpted to a classic phoenix-tail silhouette and decorated on all sides with mythical fu lions. Also known as shizi or foo dogs, f...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
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 late 20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with a stencil-transfer design. 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...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

You May Also Like

Pair Large Antique Chinese Stoneware Guardian Lions Qing Dynasty 19th Century
Located in Katonah, NY
These magnificent Chinese temple lions are true works of art, masterfully crafted with incredible attention to detail. The bulging eyes, sharp ears, open mouth, and fluttering mane are expertly rendered, creating a pair of stunning creatures that are truly alive with energy and movement. The expressive faces of these lions are captivating, and the fact that they are a "true" pair, meaning a male and a female facing each other, adds to the sense of interaction and action. These lions are made of stoneware and painted in the traditional Chinese sancai three-color glaze on a light brown ground; dating to the late Qing period, they are covered in rich green, blue, and amber glazes. The intricate detailing and rich colors are breathtaking, making these lions a treasure. Temple lions, also known as lion dogs, are celebrated for their auspicious symbolism. They are believed to protect the peace and prosperity of one's home. These lions are beautiful works of art that bring good luck and prosperity to the homes they are placed in. Dimensions: 17" Height x 16" Length x 6 1/2" Depth. Condition: Excellent Price: $5,800 Background of Chinese Temple Lions: Chinese guardian lions...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Chinese Sancai Glazed Figures of Seated Ducks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Sancai Glazed Seated Ducks—20th Century Dimensions (Each Duck): 9” W x 6” H x 5” D This stunning pair of Chinese sancai-glazed ceramic ducks, made in the 20th century, showcases vibrant green, yellow, blue, and aubergine hues in the traditional sancai (three-color) glazing technique. Inspired by Tang dynasty ceramics, these vintage Chinese duck...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Qing Sancai Glazed Immortal Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique Chinese porcelain figure of Immortal decorated in sancai glazes dating from 19th century. The figure stands raised on a six-sided pedestal...
Category

Antique 19th Century Asian Qing Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Chickens
Located in Essex, MA
Decorated with green and yellow enamels. Standing on a blue rock work base.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Large Pair of Chinese Export Sancai Glazed Foo Dogs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Pair of Chinese Export Sancai Glazed Foo Dogs China, 20th Century An exquisite, large-scale Sancai glazed pair of Foo Dogs, featuring elaborately decorated Foo Dogs with rema...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Chinese Foo Dogs Hand Carved Hardstone Good Colour and Detail, Ca 1940
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a very good pair of antique Chinese foo or lion dogs, sometimes called temple lions made of a hardstone, hand carved with fine detail and polished, dating to the mid 20th c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Stone

Recently Viewed

View All