I acquired this pair of Chinese temple lions from Mercer and Sons, a venerable Blackburn hardware store that shuttered its doors in 2009 after over 160 years of operation. These majestic creatures, often mistakenly called “dogs” in the West, are actually known as shishi in Chinese, translating to “stone lion.” They are typically displayed in pairs, male and female, guarding temples, tombs, and other important structures.
The male lion, traditionally placed on the right, rests his paw on a ball, symbolizing the world and representing the yang force. The female, on the left, holds a cub, signifying the cycle of life and representing the yin force. Their presence is believed to protect the building and its inhabitants.
A fascinating aspect of the Chinese language is its tonal nature, where the pitch of pronunciation affects meaning. This can lead to amusing misunderstandings, as exemplified by the poem “Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den.” When read with the correct intonation, the poem describes a poet’s futile attempt to devour ten stone lions.
While these temple lions hold cultural significance, it’s essential to be cautious when purchasing them. Modern replicas are often sold as antiques, commanding hefty prices. A keen eye and knowledge of authentic features can help you distinguish between genuine antiques and reproductions.
Beyond the realm of Chinese mythology, the term “Foo” has found its way into popular culture. Originating from the Smokey Stover cartoons, “Foo” became a catch-all term for strange or inexplicable things. During World War II, radar operators used “Foo Fighters” to describe unidentified blips on their screens. Later, allied pilots reported sightings of mysterious fireballs in the night skies, which they also referred to as “Foo Fighters.” While the exact nature of these phenomena remains debated, the term “Foo” has become synonymous with the unknown and the extraordinary.
