This impressive, vintage, silver Foo Dog trinket box is a beautiful two-piece figure that will add a touch of intrigue to any collection. The box is made of silver (unknown purity) and has a height of 4 inches and length of 5 inches and a width of 3 inches. It features hand-carved details and is an original piece from the mid-century. The box is designed with a Foo Dog form and features intricate details that showcase the rich culture of China. Designed as protectors the foo dogs, male and/or female, are usually placed at the entrance to a dwelling to deter intruders. The item is perfect for collectors of antiques and those who appreciate the beauty of Asian art. The maker is unknown, adding to the mystery and allure of this unique piece. Foo dogs were placed at the entrances of homes, palaces, and temples to protect the building and its inhabitants from harmful spiritual influences and people. Foo dogs are usually depicted as a pair, one male and one female, with wide open mouths and a devilish look. The male’s right paw rests on a woven ball, which symbolizes the Earth and unity of the Chinese Empire. The female has a cub beneath her paw, which symbolizes nurturing and protection. We welcome your questions and thank you for visiting our store! In Chinese, foo dogs are known as “shi” which means lion or “shishi” which means stone lion. In Western cultures, they are often calcalled “foo dogs” or “fu dogs”. Some in the West thought the lions resembled Chow Chow or Shih Tzu dogs. Opens in new ta. The history of Chinese foo dogs, also known as Chinese guardian lions or imperial guardian lions, can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 AD). The mythology of foo dogs originated in Buddhism and was inspired by Asiatic lions that were brought to China through the Silk Road trade route. The emperor kept these lions as pets, which served as a source of inspiration for the sculptur.