foo dogs
Chinese stone lions
Foo dogs are the stylized lion statues found in pairs guarding the entrances to Chinese temples, palaces, and homes.
Despite the name, they represent lions, not dogs—the Western misnomer likely arose because the creatures looked unfamiliar.
One typically has a ball under its paw, the other a cub.
The pair symbolizes protection and are believed to ward off evil spirits.
They remain popular in Asian-inspired décor: A pair of ceramic foo dogs flanked the fireplace.
Solid earth fragment
- bronzeCopper-tin alloy
- ceramicFired clay material
- porcelainTranslucent fired clay
- marbleRecrystallized limestone rock
carving · figurine · statue · pedestal · patina · craftsmanship · antique · artifact
One who safeguards others
- sentinelGuard who monitors
- gatekeeperOne controlling entry
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
- defenderOne who guards another
vigilant · warden · guardian lions · open mouth · closed mouth · ball · cub · fierce
stone
Solid earth fragment
marble · carving · figurine · statue · pedestal · patina · craftsmanship · antique · artifact · collectible
protector
One who safeguards others
- sentinelGuard who monitors
- gatekeeperOne controlling entry
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
defender · vigilant · warden · guardian lions · open mouth · closed mouth · ball · cub · fierce · intimidating
entrance
Point of access
paired · facing · threshold · staircase · altar · mantelpiece · garden · estate · temple · shrine
Forbidden City
Ming dynasty royal complex
Ming · Tang · throne · nobility · court · mandarin · jade · Beijing · ceremonial · royal
- Asian decorbamboo furniture, bonsai, Chinese lanterns, Japanese lanterns, paper lanterns
- Asian Motifsdragons, cranes, lotus flower, phoenix, cherry blossoms
- lion statueslion statues, stone lions, bronze lions, guardian lions, winged lions
- lion artlion statues, bronze lions, stone lions, winged lions, lion masks
- ceramicspottery, porcelain, cup, bowl, plate
- Asian Folkloreyokai, kitsune, oni, tengu, folktales
foo dogsgarden gnomes
Decorative outdoor figurines
gargoyles · sphinxes · lawn flamingos · totem poles · griffins