Chinese guardian lions, commonly called stone lions in China and sometimes called a foo dog in the West, are symbolic sculptures of the Asiatic lion. However, Japanese adaptions state that the male is inhaling, representing Life, while the female exhales, representing Death. Pairs of guardian lions are still common decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures, with one sitting on each side of the entrance, in China and in other places around the World where the Chinese people have immigrated and settled, especially in local Chinatowns. They are a mythological Chinese lion, though many depictions of them bear more similarity to dogs than felines. Canine, Dragon Chinese guardian lions, also called Fu Lions, Lions of Buddha, or sometimes Stone Lions in Chinese art, are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China, which is believed to have powerful mythic protective powers. In India, the male’s open mouth is said to be voicing an "A", the female a "M". This pair of lion sculpture is made with resin casted with bronze power which give them the metallic bronze finish. Etymology These styles vary in their artistic detail and adornment as well as in the depiction of the lions from fierce to serene. Foo Dogs, the Chinese Guardian Lions. However, Chinese reference to the guardians lion are seldom prefixed with 佛 or 福, and more importantly never referred to as "dogs". They are a mythological Chinese lion, though many depictions of them bear more similarity to dogs than felines. It is believe that they keep away the evil spirits. Nowadays, pairs of Chinese guardian lions are still common decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures, with one sitting on each side of the entrance. 60+ Vectors, Stock Photos & PSD files. Free for commercial use High Quality Images They occur in many types of Chinese pottery and in Western We've got 58+ great wallpaper images hand-picked by our users. Chinese guardian lions As with much of Asian culture, these ancient guardian lions are complex … In Chinese they are traditionally called simply shi (獅, Pinyin: shī) meaning lion — the word shi itself is thought to be derived from the Persian word šer. MDLUU Feng Shui Lion Statues, Pair of Guardian Lions, Fu Foo Dogs for Cash Register, Office Desk, H… Stone lions are not only common in China but also in other places around the world where the Chinese people have immigrated and settled, especially in local Chinatowns. Indeed The lion was associated by the Han Chinese to earlier venerated creatures of the ancient Chinese, most notably by the Monk Huilin (琳说) who stated that "the mythic suanni (狻猊) is actually The lion, coming from the Western Regions" (狻猊即狮子也，出西域). The male, located on the left, is depicted playing with a ball and is said to protect the structure it is placed outside. Royalty-Free Stock Photo. History Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lions, often miscalled `Foo Dogs` in the West, are a common representation of the lion in imperial China. Sometimes the male will have an open mouth and the female a closed mouth; sometimes both mouths will be partially open, often containing a pearl. They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs . Download, share and comment wallpapers you like. Chinese The Asiatic lions were once quite common throughout its historic range in Southwest and Central Asia and are believed to be the ones depicted by the guardian lions in Chinese culture. St… These stylized guardian lions, known in Chinese as shi or shishi (石獅 shíshī /shrr-shrr/ 'stone-lions' — there's a popular tongue-twister associated with the tones), sometimes as 'Foo Dogs' in English, originating not in China itself, but in Persia. It may also be due to the misidentification of the guardian lion figures as representing certain Chinese dog breeds such as the Chow Chow (鬆獅犬, Pinyin: sōngshī quǎn, lit. Palau / 10 Dollars / 2oz Silber .999 / 38,61 mm / Auflage: 888 Stück. The lions are always presented in pairs, a manifestation of yin and yang, the female representing yin and the male yang. Find & Download Free Graphic Resources for Chinese Guardian Lion. Typically made of stone , they are also known as stone lions or shishi . A Qing-era guardian lion pair within the Forbidden City. The term "Fo" or "Fu" may be transliterations to the words 佛 (pinyin: fó) or 福 (pinyin: fú), which means "Buddha" or "prosperity" in Chinese, respectively. Guardian Lions … chinese guardian lions stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images In Chinese they may be called Lions were first presented to the Han court by emissaries from Central Asia and Persia, and by the sixth century AD they were already popularly depicted as guardian figures.Today the guardian lions are more usually specified by reference to the medium or material, for example: 1. 1 Myths & Legends 1.1 Appearance 1.2 India 1.3 Japan 2 Gallery In China, shíshī are always depicted in pairs, one male and one female. Although the Form of the Chinese guardian lion was quite varied during its early history in China, the appearance, pose, and accessories of the lions eventually became standardized and formalized during the Ming and Qing dynasties into more or less its present Form. In Tibet: known as a Snow Lion Chinese or Imperial guardian lions are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. Looking for the best Chinese Guardian Lions Wallpaper? January 26, 2021; Posted by Stephanie Liao; Source: Unsplash. ; pinyin: sh? They occur in many types of Chinese pottery and in Western imitations. Together, the two shíshī speak the sacred word "Om" or "AUM". Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lions, traditionally known in Chinese simply as Shi (Chinese: 獅; pinyin: shī; literally: “lion”), and often called “Foo Dogs” in the West, are a common representation of the lion in imperial China. Symbolically, the female fu lion protects those dwelling inside, while the male guards the structure. The female, located on the right, is depicted playing with a cub and is said to protect the inhabitants of the structure it is placed outside. 60+ Vectors, Stock Photos & PSD files. Chinese or Imperial guardian lions are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. These Unique Guardian Lions or otherwise known as Fu Dogs, are made from rare extra large Baroque Australian South Sea Pearls. Lions of Fo are often created in pairs, with the male playing with a ball and the female with a cub. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi (石狮). http://www.chinabuddhismencyclopedia.com/en/index.php?title=Chinese_guardian_lions&oldid=206253. The male is said to be inhaling, representing life; the female is said to be exhaling, representing death. Download Chinese guardian lion stock photos at the best stock photography agency with millions of premium high quality, royalty-free stock photos, images and pictures at reasonable prices. [5] This exchange can be seen in that the Chinese word for lion is "Shi" (師, later 獅/狮), which shares the same etymological roots as "Shiar" (شیر), the Persian Language Name for the animal. Chinese guardian lions. This may explain why, though shíshī are a popular motif for kimono, the male is usually depicted alone. Download preview. Habitat Gradually they were incorporated as guardians of the Chinese Imperial dharma. The lions are traditionally carved from decorative stone, such as marble and granite or cast in bronze or iron. In Japan: The lion figures are known as Komainu (狛犬・高麗犬, lit Korea dogs)[citation needed] possibly due to their introduction to Japan through Korea. Popularity of Guardian Lions has risen steeply since then, and they are nowadays commonly seen guarding entrances to hotels, restaurants and people’s homes. They are not actually dogs at all. Lions seemed appropriately regal beasts to guard the emperor's gates and have been used as such since. Shisa is a traditional Ryukyuan cultural artifact and decoration derived from Chinese guardian lions, often seen in similar pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, from Okinawan mythology. Chinese guardian lions, known as Shishi (Chinese: 石獅; pinyin: shíshī; literally "stone lion") or Imperial guardian lion, and often called "Foo Dogs" in the West, are a common representation of The lion in pre-modern China. On one particular event, on the eleventh lunar month of 87 CE, "... an envoy from Parthia offered as tribute a lion and an ostrich"[6] to the Han court. For the Chinese dog breeds called Lion Dogs, see Foo Dog. They have been part of the history of China and southeast Asia for thousands of years. Buddhist Guardian Lions, commonly known as Foo Dogs, appeared in China during the Han dynasty. In China, shíshī are always depicted in pairs, one male and one female. The Chinese people have always regarded stone lions as auspicious things. The Buddhist version of The lion was originally introduced to Han China as the protector of Dharma and these lions have been found in religious Art as early as 208 BC. The ball is said to symbolize the unity of the Chinese Empire, and the cub thriving offspring. They have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy, from the Han … They have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy, from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), and were believed to have powerful mythic protective benefits. Fortuitous lion (福獅, Pinyin: fúshī)[citation needed]: reference in context to good Fortune Several instances of lions as imperial tributes from Central Asia was recorded in the document Book of the Later Han (後漢書) written from 25-220CE. Modeled after the Chinese imperial guardian lions, this foo dog pair has amazing details and vivid expressions. In Japan, shíshī are called Koma-inu (こま犬). Note the different appearance of the face and details in the decorative items, compared to the earlier Ming version Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lion, traditionally known in Chinese simply as Shi (Chinese: ? With their protective powers the lions watched over imperial palaces, temples and tombs. "puffy-lion dog}}") or Shih Tzu (獅子狗; Pinyin: Shīzi Gǒu, lit. Shíshī (石狮/石獅) are also known as Fu/Foo Lions, Lions of Buddha, or Chinese guardian lions. The lions are always created in pairs, with the male resting his paw upon the World and the female restraining a playful cub that is on its back. A wide variety of chinese guardian lions options are available to you, such as resin. Chinese Guardian Lions Wallpaper. This page was last edited on 26 April 2015, at 08:11. In Myanmar: called Chinthe and gave their Name to the World War II Chindit soldiers. They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs. These sacred animals have traditionally stood in front of Chinese temples, imperial palaces, emperor’s tombs, homes of government officials and government offices. Indeed, a traditional Symbol of a family's Wealth or social status was the placement of guardian lions in front of the family home. When looking out of a building through the entrance to be guarded, looking in the same Direction as the lions, the male is placed on the left and the female on the Right. They are placed at the entrance of an important building to guard the grounds and the people within. Komainu strongly resemble Chinese guardian lions and in fact originate from Tang dynasty China. General Information The lions are usually shown in pairs with a male lion resting … Chinese guardian lions. Hence as the ICON of "Chinese guardian lions" were created by sculptures in ancient China, these ancient Chinese Dog breeds in return came to resemble them closely hence these live dog breeds are known as "real LION DOGS" or "Foo or Fu Dogs" as they resembel Chinese guardian lions as sculptures based the lion statues on dog models. Stone lion (石狮子: shí shīzi), which is also called Chinese guardian lion or Imperial guardian lion is one of the popular mascots in China. Other styles have both lions with a single large pearl in each of their partially opened mouths. "lion dog"). Chinese guardian lions, known as Shishi (Chinese: 石獅; pinyin: shíshī; literally "stone lion") or Imperial guardian lion, and often called "Foo Dogs" in the West, are a common representation of The lion in pre-modern China. Die Vorderseite des ersten Stücks zeigt einen chinesischen Wächterlöwen von hinten, im Feld links das als Vignette gestaltete Wappen von Palau mit der Aufschrift REPUBLIC OF PALAU – 10 Dollar, im Feld rechts die Aufschrift CHINESE GUARDIAN LIONS 2017. About See more FAQ Upload. Auspicious lion (瑞獅, Pinyin: Ruìshī): respecting reference to the Tibetan Snow Lion or with context to good Fortune Western names They are great displayed in entry ways or living rooms, and perfectly sized as a handsome pair of bookends. The pearl is carved so that it can roll about in The lion's mouth but sized just large enough so that it can never be removed. Guardian lions are referred to numerous manner depending on Language and context. [4] With increased trade during the Han dynasty and cultural exchanges through Silk Road, lions were introduced into China from the ancient states of Central Asia by peoples of Sogdiana, Samarkand, and the Yuezhi (月氏) in the Form of pelts and live tribute, along with stories about them from Buddhist priests and travelers of the Time. Popularity of Guardian Lions has risen steeply since then, and they are nowadays commonly seen guarding entrances to hotels, restaurants and people’s homes. Download royalty-free Chinese Guardian Lion in Front of Red Structure stock photo 61600241 from Depositphotos collection of millions of premium high-resolution stock photos, vector images and … Chinese guardian lions, also known as Fu lions, Stone Lions or Lions of Buddha (sometimes also called Foo Dogs) are mythical beasts which is believed to have powerful protective powers. A Ming Dynasty Shishi in the Forbidden City In Asian cultures: Type They are depicted as playful but fierce guardians of children and are often placed outside Shinto shrines to guard against evil. Feel free to send us your own wallpaper and we will consider adding it to appropriate category. Lion of Fo, in Chinese art, stylized figure of a snarling lion. Jeden Tag werden Tausende neue, hochwertige Bilder hinzugefügt. 26 Jan Did you know foo dogs are misnamed? Free for commercial use High Quality Images ; literally: "lion"), and often called "Foo Dogs" in the West, are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China. Buddhist Guardian Lions, commonly known as Foo Dogs, appeared in China during the Han dynasty. Find & Download Free Graphic Resources for Chinese Guardian Lions. In Okinawa: similar lion formed statuettes are known as Shisa. Buddha's or Buddhist lion (佛獅, Pinyin: fóshī)[citation needed]: reference in a religious context to The lion as protector of Buddha I loved the lions but only wanted one lion, so i opened it up in blender and detached one. Guardian lions are referred to in various ways depending on language and context. and less commonly: Chinese or Imperial guardian lions are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. This symbolizes the enunciation of the sacred word "om". Entrances. Sometimes the female has her mouth closed, and the male open. According to feng shui, correct placement of the lions is important to ensure their beneficial effect. Stone lion (石獅, Pinyin: Shíshī): reference in a secular objective manner There are various styles of guardian lions reflecting Influences from different Time periods, imperial dynasties, and regions of China. The male lion has its Right front paw on an embroidered ball called a "xiù qiú" (绣球), which is sometimes carved with a geometric pattern known in the West as the "Flower of Life" The female is essentially identical, but has a cub under the closer (left) paw to the male, representing the cycle of Life. Lion Sculpture in Wat Phra Kaew at Bangkok, Thailand Ancient Chinese Lion Sculpture or Guardian Lion Holding A Ball in Right Foot at The Entrance or The Inner Shrine, Symbol of Protection and Power in Oriental Asia Especially China. 822 chinese guardian lions products are offered for sale by suppliers on Alibaba.com, of which sculptures accounts for 1%, resin crafts accounts for 1%, and artificial crafts accounts for 1%. With their protective powers the lions watched over imperial palaces, temples and tombs. Its original significance was as a guardian presence in a Buddhist temple. https://mythology.wikia.org/wiki/Chinese_guardian_lions?oldid=122396. In China’s numerous beautiful gardens and attractions, various shapes of stone lions can be seen everywhere. Cultural origin Because of the high cost of these materials and the labor required to produce them, private use of guardian lions was traditionally reserved for wealthy or elite families. In English and several Western languages, the guardian lions are often referred in a multitude of Name such as: "Fu Dogs", "Foo Dogs", "Fu Lions", "Fo Lions", and "Lion Dogs". However, in modern Times less expensive lions, mass produced in concrete and resin, have become available and their use is therefore no longer restricted to the elite. Statues of guardian lions have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy, from the Han dynasty 206 BC – AD 220, and were believed to have powerful mythic protective benefits. 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