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FU DOGS or FU LIONS are mythical beasts of Chinese folk-religion. “Fo” is the Chinese word for Lord Buddha, and pairs of fu lions are often found guarding the gateways of Buddhist temples. They were believed to have exuded a sacred milk from their paws, which the country people would collect by leaving hollow balls in the hills for them to play with. They are guardians of the law and protectors of sacred texts; in private homes they chase away demons and bad dreams, and are often displayed in children's bedrooms, gardens, and entryways. The male dog is usually playing with a ball, or “chu,” while the female has a puppy under her paw. The earliest traditions of fu-dog iconography date from the Han Dynasty (208 BC to 211 AD), but later went into abeyance until the T'ang Dynasty (618-917).
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A Pair of 19th Century Wooden Fu Dogs
These elaborately-carved fu dogs once formed part of an architectural support, at the base of a pair of small pillars in the courtyard of a wealthy private home.
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An 18th Century Gilt Lacquer Kirin.
Kirin, also known as Chinese Unicorn, is a mythical creature of good omen with a head like a dragon and the tail of a lion (or foo dog), radiating with fire. The kirin is the symbol of grandeur, longevity, wisdom and benevolence and is said to have appeared at the time when the sage Confucius was born (551-479 B.C.) This figure is carved from camphor wood and retains much of its original pigmentation.
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