Vintage Chinese Ceramic Foo Dog Pair by Master Tien-Fu Lin Blue Drip Glaze 28”H

An amazing and rare pair of Taiwanese ceramic Foo Dogs made by the late Taiwanese Master Tien-Fu Lin (1926-2019). See YouTube video minute 5:45 for details:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK-W04Kf-bo

The Foo Dog, also known as a guardian lion or shishi (石獅), is a powerful mythological creature in Chinese culture that symbolizes protection, strength, and prosperity. Despite the name “dog,” Foo Dogs are stylized lions, believed to have originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) through cultural exchanges with India, where lions were associated with Buddhist symbolism. Often depicted in pairs—one male with a ball and one female with a cub—these statues traditionally flank the entrances of palaces, temples, and homes to ward off evil spirits. Their fierce expressions, elaborate manes, and dynamic poses convey a supernatural vigilance, blending imperial authority with spiritual guardianship. Over time, Foo Dogs became widely adopted throughout East Asia and remain iconic in art, architecture, and feng shui practices.

Height = 28”

Depth = 24”

Width = 14"

Weight = 67lbs and 72lbs

Will ship in two boxes. Please multiply shipping calculation by two for estimated cost. Contact us for details. 

"Respected as "Master Tien-fu," he began learning pottery from a Fuzhou master at the age of thirteen and became a skilled ceramic artist at the young age of fourteen. Now, at the age of 82, he continues to create remarkable works. Over the past seven decades, he has mastered every aspect of the pottery process, from "clay collection" to "kiln construction" and "firing." He excels not only in hand-throwing pottery but also in sculpting original designs and molding techniques. His talents extend to relief and painting, all of which he learned on his own, making him an exemplary figure in the traditional ceramic art world."

"Lin Tien-fu is a craftsman who has made ceramics his lifelong career. Known as Master Tien-fu, Lin is the founder of Jhu-nan Snake Kiln (竹南蛇窯), which has become an important base for Taiwan's contemporary ceramics today. In 2016, Lin received the National Crafts Achievement Award for his significant role in preserving and passing down traditional cultural assets."