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Bronze Foo Dogs
Located in Charleston, SC
A wonderful pair of cast bronze Foo dogs or guardian lions. Foo dogs are always created in pairs
Category

Antique 19th Century Asian Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

  • 1
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Foo Dogs For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of foo dogs available for sale. Each of these unique foo dogs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using ceramic, porcelain and metal. Foo dogs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Foo dogs bearing mid-century modern or Hollywood Regency hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Large foo dogs can prove too imposing for some spaces, so the smaller foo dogs available at 1stDibs — each spanning 1.5 inches in width — may make for a better choice. Many foo dogs are appealing in their simplicity, but Herend, Satsuma and Alexander Backer produced popular foo dogs that are worth a look.

How Much are Foo Dogs?

Foo dogs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,696, while the lowest priced sells for $100 and the highest can go for as much as $135,000.

Finding the Right Sculptures for You

Styling your home with vintage, new and antique sculptures means adding a touch that can meaningfully transform the space. By introducing a sculptural work as a decorative finish to any interior, you’re making a statement, whether you tend toward the dramatic or prefer to keep things casual with modest, understated art.

A single, one-of-a-kind three-dimensional figurative sculpture mounted on your dining room wall is a guaranteed conversation piece, while a trio of abstract works arranged on your living room bookshelves can add spontaneity to the collection of first-edition novels or artist monographs you’re displaying as well as draw attention to them. Figurative sculptures are representational works that portray a specific person, animal or object. And while decorating with busts, which are sculpted or cast figurative works, hasn’t exactly topped the list of design trends every year, busts are back. According to designer Timothy Corrigan, “They give humanity in a way that a more abstract sculpture can’t give.” Abstract sculptures, on the other hand, are not meant to show something specific. Instead, they invoke a mood or scene without directly stating what they are portraying.

Busts made of stone or metal may not seem like a good fit for your existing decor. Fortunately, there are many ways for a seemingly incongruous piece to fit in with the rest of your room’s theme. You can embrace a dramatic piece by making it the focal point of the room, or you can choose to incorporate several elements made out of the same material to create harmony in your space. If an antique or more dramatic piece doesn’t feel like you, why not opt for works comprising plastic, fiberglass or other more modern materials?

When incorporating sculpture into the design of your home — be it the playful work of auction hero and multimedia visionary KAWS, contemporary fiber art from Connecticut dealer browngrotta arts or still-life sculpture on a budget — consider proper lighting, which can bring out the distinctive aspects of your piece that deserve attention. And make sure you know how the size and form of the sculpture will affect your space in whole. If you choose a sculpture with dramatic design elements, such as sharp angles or bright colors, for example, try to better integrate this new addition by echoing those elements in the rest of your room’s design.

Get started on decorating with sculpture now — find figurative sculptures, animal sculptures and more on 1stDibs today.

Questions About Foo Dogs
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What the meaning of foo dog artwork is largely comes down to personal interpretation. Traditionally, the figures, also called guardian lions, represent protection, success, wealth and good fortune. Because they originate from China, the lion-dog hybrid creatures sometimes symbolize Chinese culture. On 1stDibs, find a variety of foo dog artwork.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Traditional foo dogs, also known as fu dogs and lion dogs, are made from stone. Foo dogs are traditional Chinese ornaments believed to be guardians of the home, with pairs being displayed at the entrances. Shop a wide selection of authentic foo dogs through 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, foo dogs are lions. Foo dogs are believed to be Chinese guardian lions and are typically made of stone. Foo dogs are often displayed in pairs outside of entrances to act as guardians for the home. Shop a selection of foo dogs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Chinese foo dogs are called “shishi” in China, which translates to “stone lion”. Shishi were traditionally placed in pairs outside of palaces, offices, temples and bridges to protect the home from evil spirits. Browse a selection of antique foo dog sculptures on 1stDibs.