{"product_id":"pair-of-antique-guardian-lion-bookends-oriental-soapstone-dog-of-fo-victorian","title":"Pair of Antique Guardian Lion Bookends, Oriental Soapstone, Dog of Fo, Victorian","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Stock # 26347\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eDelightfully tactile bookends with an appealing natural finish and appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eDisplaying a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eCrafted skilfully in milky white soapstone, with excellent form and detail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eVein detail in medium grey hues add visual interest to each piece\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eRepresents a sitting Guardian Lion or Shíshī, with strong Oriental influence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eA Western term, Dog of Fo became associated with them as a translation of Dog of Buddha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eSuch statues were present at the entrance to shrines, and they resembled Pekinese dogs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eThe concept travelled to China via the Silk Road from India, along with Buddhism\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eGreat detail to the face and exuberant coat, with one paw raised upon a brocade ball\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eStands upon a broad socle base with a distinct shaped edge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eDressed to the base with a protective leather cushion pad\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003eIdeal for ornamental display, or perfectly shaped for use as bookends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis is a striking pair of antique Guardian Lion bookends, with appealing natural colour and excellent form. Delivered ready to display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMax Width: 8cm (3.25'')\u003cbr\u003eMax Depth: 13cm (5'')\u003cbr\u003eMax Height: 18cm (7'')\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"London Fine Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57693162373493,"sku":"26347","price":895.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0385\/9077\/files\/26347-1.jpg?v=1793013373","url":"https:\/\/www.londonfine.co.uk\/products\/pair-of-antique-guardian-lion-bookends-oriental-soapstone-dog-of-fo-victorian","provider":"London Fine Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}