fu dog
Chinese stone sentinel
Fu dogs are stylized lion statues from Chinese tradition, typically appearing in pairs as guardians at the entrances of temples, palaces, and important buildings.
One holds a ball (male), the other a cub (female).
Despite the Western name, they represent lions, not dogs—the misnomer likely arose from the Chinese word *fo* (Buddha) or confusion about the unfamiliar animal.
Also called foo dogs or guardian lions.
China's seat of government
- Forbidden CityMing dynasty royal complex
- imperialRelating to supreme rule
- palaceMonarch's official residence
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
Ming · Han · feng shui · Buddhism · Taoism · Chinatown · temple · pagoda
Sacred worship structure
- gateHinged barrier in fence
- entrancePoint of access
- doorwayPassage into a room
- thresholdPoint of beginning
protection · watchful · sentinel · paired · male · female · ball · cub
Maned African feline
- hybridThing of mixed parentage
- creatureLiving, sentient entity
- qilinAuspicious Chinese chimera
- dragonLegendary fire-breathing reptile
phoenix · beast · legendary · supernatural · folklore · symbolic · sacred · divine
Solid earth fragment
- bronzeCopper-tin alloy
- marbleRecrystallized limestone rock
- ceramicFired clay material
- jadeCarved ornamental mineral
porcelain · carving · statue · figurine · ornate · craftsmanship · patina · antique
Permanent dermal design
- jewelryOrnamental personal accessories
- pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
- ornamentThing that beautifies
- bookendShelf support for volumes
garden statue · doorstop · incense holder · fountain · planter · home decor · restaurant · Chinatown
Beijing
China's seat of government
- Forbidden CityMing dynasty royal complex
- imperialRelating to supreme rule
- palaceMonarch's official residence
dynasty · Ming · Han · feng shui · Buddhism · Taoism · Chinatown · temple · pagoda · Lunar New Year
temple
Sacred worship structure
threshold · protection · watchful · sentinel · paired · male · female · ball · cub · pedestal
lion
Maned African feline
dragon · phoenix · beast · legendary · supernatural · folklore · symbolic · sacred · divine · celestial
stone
Solid earth fragment
jade · porcelain · carving · statue · figurine · ornate · craftsmanship · patina · antique · replica
tattoo
Permanent dermal design
- jewelryOrnamental personal accessories
- pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
- ornamentThing that beautifies
bookend · garden statue · doorstop · incense holder · fountain · planter · home decor · restaurant · Chinatown · gift shop
- lucky charmslucky horseshoe, rabbit foot, lucky coin, four leaf clover, good luck charm
- Asian craftsbamboo weaving, basketry, cloisonne, incense burner, silk embroidery
- Asian Motifsdragons, cranes, lotus flower, phoenix, cherry blossoms
- Asian sacred artgolden Buddha, Buddha head, bodhisattva, thangka, pagoda
fu dogwelcome mat
Rug at the entrance
mezuzah · gargoyle · scarecrow · white flag · open door