Presented is a charming pair of antique Chinese soapstone foo dog or lion carvings, dating to the first quarter of the 1900s. The carvings are well executed and very detailed, and this is a true pair, one lion with its paw on a cub and one with its paw on a sphere. The lions stand on floral carved bases, and the quality of the carving on the sides is likewise quite well done, with a crosshatched texture carved into the stone to make the details of the peonies and other decorations stand out sharply. The undersides are not carved as seals, but have green felt stickers to protect surfaces from being scratched.
This pair of foo dogs is in great condition. There is a little imperfection in the stone of the male on the reverse of the head, but this is original to the stone and in the making of the piece, not a damage or loss of any kind. There are no chips, no breaks, and no repairs.
Each carving stands about 6 inches tall and measures about 2 1/2 by 1 3/4 inches. -jm
