Bronze Fu Dog Censer

Believed to be powerful protectors against malevolent spirits, fu lion dogs have stood guard at the entryways and thresholds of Chinese homes for centuries. This bronze fu dog, also known as a shizi, is an incense burner and would have been placed upon a family altar for use during ancestor worship. Formed of cast bronze, the lively fu dog is depicted standing on its hind legs, his front paws resting on a brocade embroidered ball. The fu dog with an embroidered ball beneath his paw is a common motif in Chinese art and symbolizes divine power and supremacy over the world. In use, the fu dog would have had a commanding presence, its open mouth smoking with fragrant incense to mirror its flame-like mane and tail.