Chinese Foo Dog Appraisal

Blue and White Ceramic Foo Dog Statue

This item is a ceramic statue depicting a mythical 'Foo Dog' or Imperial Guardian Lion, characterized by its vibrant cobalt blue and off-white glazes. The figure is seated on a rectangular base, with its posture suggesting a protective stance. Physically, the statue features prominent, round, floppy ears, large bulbous eyes with light blue iris details, and a distinctive snout-like mouth with visible teeth and a pinkish red tongue, conveying a fierce yet somewhat whimsical expression. The body is predominantly a rich, glossy blue, adorned with contrasting off-white details that define its mane, fur tufts around the legs, and a stylized tail that sweeps upwards. The paws are also delineated in blue, with white, textured accents indicating claws or decorative elements. The base of the statue is a mottled green with lighter green and blue patterned borders, suggesting a celadon or jade-like hue, which complements the main figure. The ceramic material appears to be earthenware or stoneware, coated with a thick, crackled glaze that hints at age. There are no obvious signs of chips or significant damage visible in the provided image, though minor surface wear consistent with age and handling would be expected. The overall aesthetic points to an East Asian influence, likely Chinese, and given the traditional design and glazes, it could date from the mid-20th century or earlier, though reproductions are also common. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with well-formed details and a rich, appealing color palette, making it a decorative piece often used in pairs to flank entrances or significant objects.