Pair of large Sancai glazed ceramic Pho dogs, China, 19th century.

Pair of large Sancai glazed ceramic Pho dogs, China, 19th century. Qing Dynasty Measurements: 42 x 22 cm. Pho dogs, in ancient Chinese culture, represent the Shi, not precisely dogs, but guardian lions. They were sculptures placed at the entrances of temples and palaces as protection. They are usually depicted in pairs, one male and one female. As can also be seen in these examples, the male is shown with a sphere under its paw, symbolizing supremacy and the world, while the female rests its paw on a cub, symbolizing nurturing and fertility. Together they represent the energetic balance of Yin and Yang. These colorful examples are made of Sancai glazed ceramic, a type of ceramic covered with glazes that originated in Northern China during the Tang dynasty. They are distinguished by the brilliance of the green glaze, which creates a beautiful contrast with the yellow, white, and brown areas, and by the fineness of the decorations.