Pair of antique Chinese Cloissoné Fo Lions. China, Circa 1920

Antique Chinese cloissoné couple of Foo dogs, made in China circa 1920 and in very good condition. The original name of these mythological beasts is imperial guardian lions; they are actually lions, not dogs, being Foo dogs or Fu dogs their colloquial name. This piece is composed of two figures standing on pedestal boxes. They are made with the cloissoné technique which started being used in China in the 15th century under the Jing Tai Lan name. This name comes from Jing Tai, the Chinese name of the Ming Dinasty which then ruled over the country. The technique consists of engraving motifs on bronze objects (vases, dishes, etc.) and welding metal wires to the engraved lines. The gaps are filled with enamels made with smashed minerals. These pieces are eventually fired into an oven. The Foo dogs that we can see in the images are a really gorgeous couple, full of color, delicacy and expressiveness. Thought the enameled surface shows some slight dent, they are scarcely apparent to the bare eye and do not distract the viewer from the pieces beauty. Each figure is composed of various part: the bottom pedestal is formed by a box, a lid and a ball, while the animals have a movable head that fits into the body, being separate parts. In Chinese tradition, Foo dogs are the guardians of temples and homes and protect them from evil spirits. They are usually put at the houses entrance. In China, the word Fo is used to design Buddha; in fact, many times he is depicted with these animals. The pedestal-boxes are turquoise and show of a wonderful decoration of flowers, volutes and curved shapes. It is a really colorful decoration with red, burgundy, yellow and green touches. The enamel is finely preserved; the colors look as bright as they did nearly one hundred years ago. The beats have big heads with open jaws and gentle expressions; they are made with a high attention to detail, even with small golden tongues inside the mounts. The bodies are dark and bear a golden-scale print. The lips, teeth, hooves, tails, manes are also painted in gold. The bodies also bear some red and blue motifs that provide them with strength and movement. Gorgeous and charming, this Antique Chinese cloissoné couple of Foo dogs will stand out in any home, providing it with spiritualty and charisma. Measurements: Pedestal: Width: 9.4 in / 23.5 cm. Depth: 14 in / 35 cm. Height: 24 in / 60 cm.