Early Shizi Protector

This 17th/18th century Shizi was carved by hand with a peaceful peering face from a single block of limestone. Shizi, or shih-tzu, is a dog breed indigenous to China. They are one of the oldest known breeds, and were bred to resemble the mythical lion-like Fu dog. Shizi means "little lion." Shizi, both real and figural, were used to guard temples from harmful spirits.