Bidspirit auction | Pair of Large Bronze Temple

Pair of Large Bronze Temple Lions (Fu Dogs) - Pair of large bronze temple lions (Fu dogs) China, 20th century. Bronze, patinated. H. 61 cm each. L. 53 cm. W. 26.5 cm. Condition: Well preserved, with slight signs of wear. Fu dogs are always depicted as a male-female pair, symbolizing the balance of Yin and Yang, protection and harmony. The male Fu dog has a ball under its paw: it stands for power, authority and control over the world. The female Fu dog has a cub under its paw: this symbolizes care, fertility and the protection of the family or residents. Traditionally, they are placed at the entrances of temples, palaces and residential houses. Together they form a protective barrier - one guards the physical structure, the other the people inside.