A Fu dog is a popular western term for the Shishi, the mythical guardian lion found outside temples and palaces. They combine the majesty of a lion with the loyalty of a dog. In Asian art, they protect sacred spaces and ward off negative spirits, often depicted as a male holding a brocade ball and a female with a cub.

How do I date a bronze lion?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, casting weight, and the character of the bronze alloy. Ming and Qing pieces show distinct ritual forms and patination. Examining the underside, tool marks, and wear patterns helps distinguish nineteenth-century works from early twentieth-century examples.

Why do some lions have balls under their paws?

The ball under the paw typically represents a brocade sphere associated with imperial power and cosmic unity. It is a traditional attribute of the male guardian lion. Companion figures often feature a cub under the paw instead, symbolizing maternal protection and lineage.

Were these lions used in homes?

Many smaller bronze lions and censers were created for scholar's desks and domestic interiors rather than grand temples. Literati scholars used them to burn incense during meditation or writing. Larger pairs stood at temple thresholds, while medium-sized variants served practical roles as door hardware or decorative altar ornaments.