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The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
Chinese
Pair of Fu dogs (17th century-18th century)
porcelain
(a) 33.6 × 10.2 × 14.4 cm (Fu dog)
(b) 34.0 × 10.2 × 14.2 cm (Fu dog)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1947
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
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About this work
Originating in China, these mythical creatures are commonly reffered to as fu dogs but are in fact protective lions. Statues of these mythological guardians often stand at the entrances of temples, palaces and homes to protect against disease and bad spirits. Generally placed in pairs comprising a female and a male, together they represent the balance of Yin and Yang. Known by various names across Asia including shishi in China and komainu in Japan, the Westernised term ‘fu dog’ is likely the result of a misinterpretation due to their resemblance to small breeds of dog.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Dehua, Fujian province, south-east China, China
Accession Number
631.a-b-D4
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
(a) Decorated with ribbons and bells, seated with its left foot on floral ball, on rectangular base. Vertical tube for incense on base. Cracking in base and ribbons.
(b) Decorated with ribbons and bells, seated with its right foot on floral ball, on rectangular base. Vertical tube for incense on base broken off.