Foo, Fu or Fo Dogs, Stone Lions, or even Keiloons are the same animal images that represent power and prestige. Mythical or real? The Keiloon is a legendary creature with horns on the head of a lion, scales upon the body of a deer, and a tail consisting of little curls. Legend has it that this creature eats wicked people. Placed at the front door, mouth facing the door, the Keiloon is the sentinel that neutralizes any harmful element entering the home. It has a health-giving effect upon the house.

One Fu dog represents the male; his left foot is raised and rests upon the world - protecting worldly possessions and success. The other represents the female; her right foot is raised and rests upon the belly of a baby Fu - protecting the home and family. They are always placed with their raised foot on the inside so that world and family remains safe.

They seem similar to lions, and it is interesting to note that China had no lions originally. It is believed that when Emperor Zhang of the Eastern Han reigned in AD 87, the King of Parthia, presented a lion to him. Another lion was given by a Central Asian country known as Yuezhi in the next year. The earliest stone lions were sculpted at the beginning of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220 AD) with the introduction of Buddhism into ancient China. It is said, Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, was seen after birth “to point to Heaven with one hand and to Earth with another, roaring like an lion.” In the Buddhist faith, the lion is considered a divine animal of nobleness and dignity, which can protect the Truth and keep off evils. They can be seen in front of gates of traditional buildings.

Are foo dogs really lions? Some appear nearly so. The lion does not occur in Chinese primitive art, but was introduced later in connection with Buddhism as the defender of law and protector of sacred buildings. Lions are often placed at temple gates and porticos of houses. Sometimes, they guard tombs. Stone lions in front of official buildings were originally put there to scare demons . Some Buddhist deities are occasionally depicted mounted on this beast. But the distinction blurs, depending upon the artistic rendering.

Foo dogs are prominent in the Buddhist religion and widespread over the far east. The Chinese call it the “Dog of Fo,” Fo, being the Chinese word for Buddha. It was found at the threshold of Buddhist temples. The lion is sacred to Buddhism and is sometimes presented as offerings to Buddha.

An alternate explanation for the name is that it is derived from the city of Foochow. Earliest traces of the animal show up in art from the Han Dynasty dating from approximately 208 BC to 221 AD. The animal disappeared from use for the next 400 years, reappearing during the T’ang Dynasty, 618 to 917 AD. Usually the companion of Buddha, the foo dog is considered to be a fantastic animal.

The animal is usually shown with its paw on a sphere standing guard over the entrance to temples and tombs; thus discouraging evil spirits and wrong doers from entering, and maintaining peace and tranquility within the sanctuary.

It is known as the Happiness Dog as well as the Celestial Dog, an emblem of value and energy, those indispensable complements of wisdom, and was embroidered on the court robes of military officials.

Tag: Creatures of Prestige, Power and Protection