This pair of Chinese sancai-glazed ceramic foo dogs features a traditional guardian lion form, with one depicted resting its paw on an orb and the other with a cub. The figures are modeled with expressive faces, detailed manes, and curling tails, with openwork handles integrated into their designs. The sancai glaze, in shades of green, blue, ochre, and brown, is applied with a flowing effect, pooling in the recessed areas to emphasize the sculptural details.
Each foo dog is seated on a rectangular base with incised decorative elements. The glazes exhibit variations in saturation, with areas of darker pooling and lighter washes accentuating the relief work. The expressive facial features, including wide grins and defined teeth, contribute to their dynamic presence. The surfaces display a high-gloss glaze, which enhances the contrast between the different hues.
Sancai-glazed ceramics have been produced in China since the Tang dynasty, with later revival pieces made in the Ming and Qing dynasties. These foo dogs reflect traditional guardian motifs often placed at entrances or used as decorative elements in homes and temples. The ceramic bodies are unmarked on the base, with felt pads applied for stability.
