These are a very good pair of antique Chinese foo or lion dog sculptures, sometimes called temple lions, made of a brass-bronze, with excellent detail, dating to the early 19th century, Qing period or possibly earlier back to the 18th century.
They are a male and female pair, the male with the slightly larger head. These pieces are very well cast with good detail and wear, showing very good depth of colour. Both dogs have a small hole on the top of the head for incense to be placed.
Each piece weighs about 700gm unpacked
Overall a lovely pair of antique Chinese food dogs with fine detail and which we date to the early 19th century, Qing period.
NOTES: Foo dogs are symbolic, protective statues, and they are designed in pairs — one is female, the other is male. The female represents yin, and symbolically protects the people dwelling inside the home, while the male statue, representing yang, protects the structure itself.
Internal Ref: M 323
 
Dimensions
Height = 11 cm (4.3")
Width = 12.1 cm (4.8")
Depth = 6.4 cm (2.5")