OH FOO...
GONE TO THE DOGS
Foo "dogs" are not actually what they seem.
In truth these Asian icons are lions.
Or in some cultures dragons.
Throughout China, Japan, and the orient said symbols
are thought to protect one from evil spirits.
Hence sculptural representations of said beasts
stand guard at the entrances
of temples, palaces, and public venues.
MUCH A FOO ABOUT...
Whatever one calls said foos -
dogs, dragons, or lions -
many of us like having a guard around the house.
Hence by the twentieth century,
"foo dogs" became de rigueur elements in every chic decor.
Even in the most modern of settings they do the trick.
As the lamps featured in the living room (above)
of Billy Haine's mid century masterpiece -
Sunnylands.
NEW BREED
Man's best friend needn't be boring.
Clarence House's "Tibet" features foo dogs
on a hot pink ground.
Transforming what could be old
into something quite fresh.
So rather than bark up the wrong tree
bring home a
dog of your own from
dog of your own from
C+V HOME!
TOP DOGS
Everything has a meaning in Chinese art.
Hence this pair of nineteenth century
Qing dynasty temple jars speak for themselves.
The foo tops and hand-painted dragons
represent the Emperor's power and strength.
Including power over water, rain, typhoons, and floods.
Clouds symbolize the celestial realm.
Their hexagonal shape the manifestation of
east, west, north, south, heaven, and earth.
$3600
BIG BARK
Sometimes you have to think big.
Standing at almost six feet high,
this pair of carved wooden foo dogs
were once architectural elements
in some ancient structure.
Mounted on custom stands
they certainly make a statement.
$3600
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