19th Century Whole Root Foo Dog

A wonderful piece of folk art from ancient ShanXi, China. Carved from the whole root of a jujube tree, this 19th-century Chinese foo dog embodies both rustic charm and cultural symbolism. With a wide mouth, expressive eyes and robust tail, the figure exudes a vivid, lifelike presence. One of its front paws rests atop a ball—an emblem of strength and guardianship—while the other three paws are planted firmly on the ground, conveying stability and readiness. The natural texture of the jujube wood root is skillfully incorporated into the sculpture, forming the foo dog’s body in a way that blends realism with artistic interpretation. Revered in Chinese tradition as a powerful guardian, the foo dog serves as a timeless symbol of protection and auspicious energy.