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.

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.

The Lions of Fu are two statues that we can see in some traditional Chinese buildings, such as the Forbidden City of Beijing. We can still find them in the foyer of a Chinese house. The statues of Buddha lions for houses are small and always blue, like those of the antique article in Portugal .

2024年9月16日 · A new study has revealed that the iconic bronze-winged lion in St. Mark’s Square, Venice, may have originated in 8th-century China. Lion of Venice, Piazzetta San Marco. Credit: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 4.0)

2024年10月16日 · A stunning finding has revealed that the revered Lion of St. Mark in Venice, Italy, is linked to the artistry of ancient China's Tang Dynasty (618-907). This discovery unveiled during a recent...

Stone lion is carved out of stone, which is the common ornament in Chinese traditional architecture, such as imperial palace, temple, Buddha pagoda, bridge, mausoleum, mansion, gardens and so on. Lion indicates safety and luck in China. There is a rite to stone lion called Kaiguan, which means give light to the stone lion’s eyes.

2023年6月7日 · In the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, one cannot help but be captivated by the majestic presence of stone lions. These iconic sculptures, with their imposing stature and intricate details, hold a significant place in Chinese art, architecture, and folklore.

2019年8月7日 · Carved out of stone or marble, the stone lion is often used as a kind of decoration standing in front of traditional Chinese architectures, such as imperial palace, temple, Buddha pagoda, bridge, mausoleum, mansion, gardens and so on.

2024年10月25日 · Often depicted as a fierce lion, these magnificent creatures symbolize strength, power, and protection. The significance of the Celestial Lion extends beyond mere aesthetics, as it embodies deep cultural meanings and traditions within Chinese society.

2022年2月13日 · As a result, the statues of the Fu dogs are found in most parts of China, and they flank the gates and entrances to palaces, temples, homes, official buildings, and also tombs. Fu dogs have their origins in the protective symbols of the …