Pair of Foo Dog Andirons

19th century

A pair of foo dog andirons (Chinese, 19th century) made of gilded bronze. The foo dogs are raised on elaborately decorated square pedestals with four pierced-work feet. One foo dog holds a ball while the other holds a cub in its arms. Traditionally in Chinese Buddhism, the male foo dog carries a ball which represents the material elements, and the female is with a cub, which represents the element of spirit. Foo dogs were thought to protect a location from harmful spiritual influences and other threats.

Chinese

bronze

gilded bronze

14" x 15.5"

Gift of Mrs. Gladys Brooks Thayer.

PSNC.4657.1 - .2