2 Reclining Lions With Stylized Motifs (fô Lions) From The Late Ming Dynasty Or The Qing Dynasty

2 Reclining lions with stylized motifs (Lions of Fô) from the late Ming or Qing dynasty

These are two threshold blocks or pillar/column bases (often called Xianguashi or Menkou Shi).
In traditional architecture, they were incorporated directly on either side of a porch, courtyard gate, or temple to stabilize the structure while serving as spiritual guardians.

The rounded and spiral motifs forming the mane and the details of the fur
on the body are typical of the stylization of celestial and protective animals in Asian art.
The flattened face, square jaw, and large, bulging eyes confirm this iconographic influence.

The proportions, the relatively compact form of the lion reclining on its block, and the natural weathering of the stone
(which appears to be granite or a similar hard stone) suggest a date from the late Ming or Qing dynasties (approximately between the 17th and 19th centuries)

The white marks are nothing more than plaster, which can be easily scraped off.

Length: 70 cm
Width: 22 cm
Height: 38 cm