lg. foo dog or lion ?

By Anonymous (not verified), 30 May, 2007
Description

-

Category
Ceramics and Porcelains
Medium
ceramic?
Distinguishing marks
on bottom oriental mark
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
approx. 13"x13"
Date Period
unknown
Weight
est. 5 lbs
History
inherited I think brought from Okinawa but not sure
Price Paid (If known)
unknown
For Sale?
No
Photos

Lovejoy

17 years 6 months ago

Your Foo Dog is Chinese, dating them is problematic as virtually identical examples are still in production, unmarked examples sell for $75 - $125 at auction.

 

Lovejoy

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Thanks for your help. I don't know if this makes a difference ,but if you magnify the picture you can see a chinese symbol imprinted on the bottom along with the 05. Thank you again, debd56
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 Sorry lovejoy, I was thinking of the markings on my Buddha....As a matter of fact, the picture on the far right is the bottom of my Buddha and doesn't go with this post. I am new to uploading pictures and probably made more than one mistake.... The picture on the left is the bottom of the foo dog....thanks again. debd56
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Arly2010

9 years 11 months ago

In Japan (and Okinawa) these shi-saa lions (or cats...or even dogs) appear in pairs.  Often they are on top of gateposts, one each.

The open mouth represents birth ("ah) and the closed mouth death ("mm").

They may also exist in China under a different name.  I've been in Japan a few times but not China. 

I have no idea on value.  In Okinawa there are lots of them as tourist items, but there are expensive ones available ie for the above-mentioned gateposts, etc.

Below is a link to pictures of them, some made from Okinawa's red clay. They are really an Okinawan icon!

 

http://littleokinawablog.com/?p=153

 

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