A Pair Of 19th Century Carved Foo Temple Dogs Or Chinese Guardian Lions
£2,274 per set of 2
Based on our pricing data, this item is £559 under the recommended price.
Shopping at Vinterior
- 14-day return guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- Secure payment
- Buyer protection
- Trees planted for every purchase
Item details
Height
29.0 cm
Width
52.0 cm
Depth
19.0 cm
Wear conditions
Good
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Description
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 concept, which originated and became popular in Chinese Buddhism, features a pair of highly stylized lions—often one male with a ball and one female with a cub—which were thought to protect the building from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. Used in imperial Chinese palaces and tombs, the lions subsequently spread to other parts of Asia including Japan (see komainu), Korea, Philippines, Tibet, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia.
There has been extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Elements of pre-Han dynasty mythology such as those in Classic of Mountains and Seas were adapted into these belief systems as they developed (in the case of Taoism), or were assimilated into Chinese culture (in the case of Buddhism). Elements from the teachings and beliefs of these systems became incorporated into Chinese mythology. For example, the Taoist belief of a spiritual Paradise became incorporated into mythology as the place where immortals and deities used to dwell. Sometimes mythological and religious ideas have become widespread across China's many regions and diverse ethnic societies. In other cases, beliefs are more limited to certain social groups, for example, the veneration of white stones by the Qiang. One mythological theme that has a long history and many variations involves a shamanic world view, for example in the cases of Mongolian shamanism among the Mongols, Hmong shamanism among the Miao people, and the shamanic beliefs of the Qing dynasty from 1643 to 1912, derived from the Manchus. Politically, mythology was often used to legitimize the dynasties of China, with the founding house of a dynasty claiming a divine descent.
Condition report:
Good Wear consistent with age and use. Item has just been re polished.
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
No
Similar Animal Sculptures
Similar Animal Sculptures
Choose a Wishlist
Create Wishlist
- Selling at Vinterior since 2019
- 19 sales
- Ships from Maldon, United Kingdom
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 17th October 2024
Our Terms of sale were designed to treat both Customers and Vendors (including Professional Vendors and Non-Professional Vendors (as defined in the Site Terms)) fairly, in order to make the shopping/selling experience with Vinterior just as exceptional as the items.
To protect our Customers from disappointment or the unexpected, we strongly encourage them to closely inspect item photos, descriptions, and details before purchasing anything on the Site, and then again upon delivery or pickup.
If the Customer is unsure about an item's condition, dimensions, quantity, or description, they can send their questions to the item's Vendor by clicking on Ask the seller on the listing page of the Site.
Customers shall receive the same level of consumer protection on purchases irrespective of whether they are buying from a Professional Vendor or Non-Professional Vendor.
Should you have any questions regarding your transaction, please contact the Vendor in the first instance.
Can I cancel an order?
If a Customer changes their mind or decides for any other reason not to purchase the Goods before they have been dispatched, they can cancel the order on the Site and receive a refund.
The right to cancel does not apply to the following types of goods, which are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke, or made-to-order according to the customer's specific requirements. If in doubt, the Customer can contact the Vendor via the Site.
If the Customer cancels an order after an item has already been marked as dispatched for delivery, the delivery costs are non-refundable.
To cancel the order, the Customer must follow the cancellation procedure on the Site by clicking on Create Cancellation on the order page.
Can I return an item?
At Vinterior, we understand that sometimes a piece may not be the perfect fit once it's in your home. That's why we offer a 14-day return policy, allowing you to return any item within 14 days from the date of delivery for any reason.
In the rare event that an item arrives damaged or defective, you have 30 days from the date of delivery to return it for a full refund or to have the issue fixed when possible.
Please note that certain items are non-refundable, including those that are personalised, bespoke, or made-to-order according to your specific requirements.
Types of returns and responsibilities
Change of mind return
Consumers can return the goods due to a change of mind. Once a return is requested, the buyer is in charge of shipping the goods back to the seller and should organise it as soon as possible. Shipment costs to and from buyers are non-refundable.
Item not fit for purpose
Acting under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, customers may return faulty Goods that are damaged or the listing on the Site is materially inaccurate, misleading, or misrepresents the Goods. In these cases, the Customer must provide photographic evidence to Vinterior and the Vendor or reject the delivery on arrival.
Damage in transit
Vinterior must be informed of any damage in transit. If Proovia delivered the items, Vinterior will then raise an insurance claim on behalf of the Vendor with the delivery company. If the seller organised a delivery, they would be asked to raise a claim with their courier. Once the claim is resolved and any relevant decision regarding the insurance has been made, any applicable refunds will be processed.
How to request a return
To initiate a return the customer needs to log in to their Vinterior account and click Create a return on the order page. In the return request, the reason for the return must be included along with photos of any damage of the Goods, if faulty.
How you will be refunded?
Once the item is returned to the Vendor in the same condition, the Vendor will confirm receipt of the item, and Vinterior will refund the original payment method.
If an item is returned to the seller damaged or in an unsuitable condition, Vinterior will not be able to process the refund, and the seller may have to send it back (and ask you to cover the delivery costs). All items are inspected on return.
What can't be returned?
As with cancellations, the right to return an item does not apply to the following types of Goods, which are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to the Customer's specific requirements.
Please note that vintage items are not sold as new and are likely to show signs of wear and tear. This is not sufficient grounds for a refund.
Vendors may refuse a return of an item if the Customer has altered it in any way.
Neither Vinterior nor the Vendors are liable for any damages or loss sustained in transit via third parties.