Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi (石獅; shíshī). They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs / fu dogs.

The male foo dog is associated with yang, representing active, assertive, and protective energies. In contrast, the female foo dog is associated with yin, representing passive, nurturing, and receptive energies. Additionally, the male lion has a ball under its paw, representing the world.

Ming Dynasty Foo Dog. A Fine Ming Stone Figure of Foo Dog. The muscular Lion powerfully modelled seated on its haunches on a large rectangular base, his forelegs outstretched and long tail curled up over its back.

Find the worth of your antique and vintage Chinese fo / foo / fu / temple dogs. Research our price guide with auction results on 213 items from $23 to $48,800.

Asiatic lions were introduced to the Chinese during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) through Silk Road trade with Central and Southwest Asia, sometimes even as live pets for the emperor. These noble and majestic cats were, in fact, the inspiration for these guardian sculptures.