Pair Of Large Sancai Glazed Pho Dogs, China, 19th Century.

Pair of large Pho dogs in Sancai glazed ceramic, China, 19th century.

Qing Dynasty
Measurements: 42 x 22 cm.

In ancient Chinese culture, Pho dogs represent the Shi—not strictly dogs, but guardian lions. They were sculptures placed at the entrances of temples and palaces as protection.
They are usually depicted in pairs, one male and one female. As can be seen in these examples, the male figure holds a sphere under its paw, a symbol of supremacy and the world, while the female rests her paw on a puppy, a symbol of nourishment and fertility. Together, they represent the energetic balance of Yin and Yang.

These colorful pieces are made of Sancai glazed ceramic, a type of ceramic covered in glaze that originated in northern China during the Tang Dynasty.

They are distinguished by the brilliance of the green glaze, which creates a beautiful contrast with the yellow, white, and brown sections, and by the delicacy of the decorations.