Pair of red and gold lacquered Foo dogs (Fu dogs) or Buddhist lions which once graced an expensive piece of furniture as they are carved from hardwood. Surprisingly both lions hold a brocade ball under one paw. Later versions often depicted a male and a female lion. Being a powerful animal, lions guard official entrances. The male usually plays with a brocade ball while the female has a cub under her paw. The lion (shi) is a pun for ‘Things’ (shi), ‘Tutor’ (shi) and ‘Thoughts’ (si). These three words are all pronounced in the same way. In China, tutors were teachers for children of high officials. The pair which show age-cracks came from Yangzhou in 2011. They date from around 1850. Height 12 cm. Width 5.5 cm. Depth 4 cm.