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Pair of Antique Guardian Lion Bookends, Oriental Soapstone, Dog of Fo, Victorian

£895

Stock no. 26347

Stock no. 26347

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Pair of Antique Guardian Lion Bookends, Oriental Soapstone, Dog of Fo, Victorian · £895

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Delivery price for this piece

UK mainlandFree
Europe£34.80
USA, Canada & Mexico£54
Rest of the world£91.20

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Our Stock # 26347

This is a pair of antique Guardian Lion bookends. An Oriental, soapstone decorative 'Dog of Fo' book rest, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.

  • Delightfully tactile bookends with an appealing natural finish and appearance
  • Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout
  • Crafted skilfully in milky white soapstone, with excellent form and detail
  • Vein detail in medium grey hues add visual interest to each piece

  • Represents a sitting Guardian Lion or Shíshī, with strong Oriental influence
  • A Western term, Dog of Fo became associated with them as a translation of Dog of Buddha
  • Such statues were present at the entrance to shrines, and they resembled Pekinese dogs
  • The concept travelled to China via the Silk Road from India, along with Buddhism

  • Great detail to the face and exuberant coat, with one paw raised upon a brocade ball
  • Stands upon a broad socle base with a distinct shaped edge
  • Dressed to the base with a protective leather cushion pad
  • Ideal for ornamental display, or perfectly shaped for use as bookends

This is a striking pair of antique Guardian Lion bookends, with appealing natural colour and excellent form. Delivered ready to display.

Dimensions:
Max Width: 8cm (3.25'')
Max Depth: 13cm (5'')
Max Height: 18cm (7'')

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