These guardian statues were traditionally found standing sentry in front of palaces, temples, and homes of the elite across many parts of Asia. These symbolic statues are traditionally kept in pairs, providing balance and harmony, and protection from evil. They originated in China and were called ‘shi’, meaning ‘lion’ or ‘shishi’ meaning ‘stone lion’. Their resemblance to the Chow Chow and Shih Tzu canine breeds has led to them being referred to as ‘fu dogs’ (or ‘foo dogs’) in English.
