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 Classic Foo Dog, in a nice bold color, this ceramic piece measures 11"w x 5"d x 7"h. It will work indoors, as well as out. Very stunning detail, crazy eyes, flowing tail. Foo dogs are prominent in the Buddhist religion and widespread over the far east, thus the Korean designation as "Lion of Korea." The Chinese call it the "Dog of Fo," Fo, being the Chinese word for Buddha. It was found at the threshold of Buddhist temples. The lion is sacred to Buddhism and is sometimes presented as offerings to Buddha. An alternate explanation for the name is that it is derived from the cityof Foochow. Earliest traces of the animal show up in art from the Han Dynasty dating from approximately 208 BC to 221 AD. The animal disappeared from use for the next 400 years, reappearing during the T'ang Dynasty, 618 to 917 AD. Usually the companion of Buddha, the foo dog is considered to be a fantastic animal.
The animal is usually shown with its paw on a sphere standing guard over the entrance to temples and tombs; thus discouraging evil spirits and wrong doers from entering, and maintaining peace and tranquility within the sanctuary. It is known as the Happiness Dog as well as the Celestial Dog, an emblem of value and energy, those indispensable complements of wisdom, and was embroidered on the court robes of military officials.
The animal is usually shown with its paw on a sphere standing guard over the entrance to temples and tombs; thus discouraging evil spirits and wrong doers from entering, and maintaining peace and tranquility within the sanctuary. It is known as the Happiness Dog as well as the Celestial Dog, an emblem of value and energy, those indispensable complements of wisdom, and was embroidered on the court robes of military officials.
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