China, Qianlong-Periode (18. Jahrhundert)
Maße: 9 x 4 cm
Carving of a rock crystal depicting Shishi from the 18th century. The rock crystal material is clean and of good quality. The animal is in a reclining position with its head turned to the side, its body smooth, its mane and tail hair carefully carved. Shishi has both dog and lion features, hence its other name: Fu dog. Many Shishi/Fu statues are placed on the doorsteps of homes as a guardian/protective animal who protects the occupants of the house, gives them strength and brings good luck. It is an important element in both architecture (temples, palaces, bridges, etc.) and fine arts. They are often depicted in pairs, sometimes with the male Shishi with his mouth open and the female Shishi with her mouth closed.
