Antique Chinese Carved Wood Opposing Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions, 19th. Century - Qing Dynasty

Description

We were delighted to find these extremely rare pair of museum quality opposing hand carved and polychromed foo dogs or … more We were delighted to find these extremely rare pair of museum quality opposing hand carved and polychromed foo dogs or lions. An opposing pair. Loyal guardians of the home - or temple.
This pair, male and female were hand crafted in the 19th Century, possibly earlier. Each has the 'earth' in their 'paws'.
Always display the pair together.
Body can best be described as charcoal gray in colour, with brick red, black and antique white polychrome highlights all made with natural pigments.
The cpativating expressions on each of the faces are quite unique and somewhat endearing - large round eyes with open mouths displaying a good set of teeth to ward off evil spirits! Displayed with the correct lighting, these will look stunning.
One is substantially heavier than the other. They are heavy weighing in at: 18lbs and 13lbs.
No markings.
19th C. or earlier.
A rare and highly auspicious pair listed by East2West Furniture.
Condition is good for age with scattered loss and distress and lots of character.
Each is 20" long x 8" wide x 18" tall.
31 pounds total weight. less