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ID #SA1187571
FOR SALE
£1,650
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Exceptional Antique Chinese Root Wood Dogs of Fo
For sale by Branching Out Antiques
for sale €1,931     $2,096
£1,650
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2022
Browse dealers 78 items
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    Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy
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Id #SA1187571
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Exceptional Antique Chinese Root Wood Dogs of Fo

19th century
Description

For sale is a rare pair of late 18th, early 19th Century root wood Dogs Of Fo.

They are carved in 3 pieces, the body, the tail and the stand.

They have jade eyes, and their intricate patinated carving is complete, albeit with a couple of small chips on one, so are in good antique condition.

Root wood dogs of Fo" refers to traditional Chinese guardian lion statues, known as Foo Dogs (or Fu Dogs), intricately carved from natural tree roots (rootwood), showcasing unique organic shapes and often used for protection in Feng Shui, bringing good fortune and warding off evil spirits from homes and temples. These aren't actual dogs but symbolic lion-like figures, appearing in pairs, carved from materials like stone, ceramic, or specially the rich, textured root wood.

Height 55cm. Width 35cm. Depth 20cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
55cm (21.65")
Width
35cm (13.78")
Depth
20cm (7.87")
Declaration

Branching Out Antiques has dated these Chinese Root Wood Foo Dogs to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1187571
Description
For sale is a rare pair of late 18th, early 19th Century root wood Dogs Of Fo.

They are carved in 3 pieces, the body, the tail and the stand.

“
They have jade eyes, and their intricate patinated carving is complete, albeit with a couple of small chips on one, so are in good antique condition.
Branching Out Antiques
fig 1. A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases.
fig 1. Exceptional Antique Chinese Root Wood Dogs of Fo

Root wood dogs of Fo" refers to traditional Chinese guardian lion statues, known as Foo Dogs (or Fu Dogs), intricately carved from natural tree roots (rootwood), showcasing unique organic shapes and often used for protection in Feng Shui, bringing good fortune and warding off evil spirits from homes and temples. These aren't actual dogs but symbolic lion-like figures, appearing in pairs, carved from materials like stone, ceramic, or specially the rich, textured root wood.

Height 55cm. Width 35cm. Depth 20cm

Height
55cm (21.65")
Width
35cm (13.78")
Depth
20cm (7.87")
Date of Manufacture

Branching Out Antiques has dated these Chinese Root Wood Foo Dogs to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1187571
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2022

Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Branching Out Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases.
1 / 17
Archive I A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases.

Exceptional Antique Chinese Root Wood Dogs of Fo

Archive II A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View II
Archive III A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View III
Archive IV A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View IV
Archive V A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View V
Archive VI A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View VI
Archive VII A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View IX
Archive X A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View X
Archive XI A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View XI
Archive XII A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View XIII
Archive XIV A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View XIV
Archive XV A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View XV
Archive XVI A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View XVI
Archive XVII A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases. View XVII
Enlarged Archival View
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques
Telephone 07742 117815
Location
Kent
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified Since Apr 2022
Items For Sale 78
Items Sold 380
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: Kent, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified
Apr 2022
For Sale
78
Sold
380
A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases.
EXCEPTIONAL ANTIQUE CHINESE ROOT WOOD DOGS OF FO
Ref: SA1187571
A pair of dark carved root wood Chinese guardian lion sculptures raised on organic natural root bases.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialRoot Wood, Hardwood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsRoot texture, Guardian lion form, Openwork bases
  • SizeH 55 cm (22 in) x W 35 cm (14 in) x D 20 cm (8 in)

This pair of late 18th, early 19th-century Chinese root wood Dogs of Fo belongs to the Qing Dynasty period and originates from the traditional guardian lion form. Each sculpture is carved in three pieces comprising the body, the tail, and the openwork base, utilising dark brown hardwood with a natural root texture and jade eyes. The figures display intricate patinated carving, showing a couple of small chips on one piece alongside organic branch details on the stands and spiky tails. They measure 55 cm high, 35 cm wide, and 20 cm deep. Placed upon a sideboard top, these sculptures fit well within a gentleman's library or study as decorative objects. The dark timber colour and root wood material provide a distinct texture that stands out in a traditional interior setting. The pair sits securely on a wooden shelf surface, presenting a symbolic guardian arrangement for display.

FAQs

Traditional Chinese guardian lions, commonly referred to as Foo Dogs in Western art terminology, represent symbolical protectors traditionally placed at entrances to ward off negative influences and signify status.

Artisans selected natural tree roots and gnarled timber, utilizing the organic form of the wood to dictate the shape of the figures before hand-carving detailed features like mane fur and facial expressions.

Authentic historic carvings display organic timber variations, subtle hand-tool marks, smooth wear along elevated surfaces, and a natural patina built up from age rather than uniform artificial staining.

Positioning paired wooden sculptures on a console table, mantlepiece, or open shelving introduces rich texture and organic warmth, contrasting cleanly against minimalist contemporary backgrounds.

Dust regularly using a soft, dry bristle brush to reach recessed areas, position away from direct heat sources to prevent timber shrinkage, and apply a neutral beeswax polish periodically to maintain the surface.
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