East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A beautiful hand-carved granite panel, made from a massive slab featuring symbolic fu lions in relief! The two fu lions, or “foo dogs” are frolicking within a framed border. The swirling cords represent the strands of an endless knot; the endless or eternal knot is an auspicious sign of wisdom and interconnectedness. The fu lion is a highly stylized representation of a spiritual lion guardian that protected sacred buildings, tombs, or palaces against evil spirits or people. Lions were introduced to Chinese courts as early as the Han dynasty; however, interestingly, most artists relied on second-hand sources for descriptions, resulting in very stylized figures that were often mistaken as dogs by western viewers. Size: 30″ L x 4″ W x 18″ H (76.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 45.7 cm)
This item is heavy/oversized and will require third party shipping. Please inquire about shipping cost prior to bidding.
Condition: Some minor chips and nicks to relief surface carvings. Losses along peripheries of slab. Mineral and natural biofilm deposits on the entire surface. Expected weathering from exposure to elements but overall great condition.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960-2000
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