Pair Of Important Guardian Lions / Fo Dogs / Shizi, White Crackle Glazed Ceramic

Rare pair of Important Fo / Shizi Dogs in white crackled glaze ceramic. China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. Each Fo / Shizi Dog is seated on a wooden base, mouth open with a beautiful expression, a collar of bells around its neck, the male (the Yang) with his paw resting on a decorated ball called xiù qiú (which, in an imperial context, represents supremacy over the world), the female (the Ying) with her paw resting on her pup (representing the cycle of life, nurturing). Symbolically, the female protects those who reside inside, while the male protects the structure. These highly stylized Guardian Lions were believed to protect the house from harmful influences. In very good condition. Dimensions: Height 50 cm Width 20 cm Depth 22 cm