0 items - $0.00 / Sign-in or Checkout
  • About Mayme Baker
    • Our Story
    • Our Approach
    • What We Believe
  • /
  • Design Portfolio
    • Color Design Gallery
    • Personality Design Gallery
  • /
  • Painting Portfolio
  • /
  • Event Styling
  • /
  • Testimonials
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • Contact
  • /
  • Shop
  • About Mayme Baker
    • Our Story
    • Our Approach
    • What We Believe
  • Design Portfolio
    • Color Design Gallery
    • Personality Design Gallery
  • Painting Portfolio
  • Event Styling
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • My Account
  • Checkout - 0 items for $0.00

too much of a good thing

  • Home
  • »
  • too much of a good thing
  • »
  • what the foo!?

what the foo!?

by Tessa Pinner on October 31, 2013 0 

Today is October 31st, and as demonstrated by the modern western celebration of Halloween (which, by the by, is a fascinating study if you don't already know the history!) all the way to the eastern veneration of spirits and ancestry, each culture has its own practices of superstition. Most people don't still take ancient myths and folklore seriously, but that doesn't stop us from avoiding black cats on Halloween and knocking on wood after a particularly risky statement. In fact, the enjoyment of superstition, myths, lore, and storytelling is key to our fascination with all things eastern and exotic.

---

 So let me tell you the story of the Foo Dogs...

"Foo Dogs" is the corroded western term for fú shi ("prosperity lions") or Chinese Imperial guardian lions. These lions can be seen outside palaces, temples, and the private residences of the very wealthy. Lions are not native to the Orient but were brought from India and the Middle East through the Silk Road trade route. Both presented by diplomats as a tribute to the Han court and introduced into Buddhist teaching by the monk Hulin, the "shi" lion slowly but deeply became intrenched into religious and nationalistic iconography. Hulin taught that the lions are protectors of dharma, a Buddhist belief in the balance and circle of life. This teaching, merged with the animals' innate power and regal bearing, made them perfectly suited as imperial guardians. The lions are always presented in pairs: one male and one female: yin and yang. The male is placed on the left with his paw on the earth, depicting domination. The female on the left is presented with her paw on a cub, representing protection and nurture. The pair was thought to bring blessing and provide protection for the inhabitants of the structure over which they stood watch. 

Is it any wonder that with such a rich backstory, Mayme LOVES anything Foo (we could be snobby and say "Fú")? Just look at this shot from her and her son's trip to China last year. She was smitten with the highly stylized, beautiful statues! Is it any wonder that she incorporates foo dogs into her decor scheme whenever possible?

---
We just received three pairs of fiercely sweet foo dog lamps in green, blue, and white at the studio. Here they are, lined up like sentries outside the front door. Interested in obtaining a couple of these puppies to guard your entry?
Email info@maymebakerstudio.com or call 864.467.1930!
Happy Hallow's Even, everyone!
X
Tweet
Pin It
This entry was posted in too much of a good thing and tagged chinoiserie, color, colorful lamp, foo dog, foo dog history, foo dog lamp, Interior Design, Interior Design Studio, lamps, new items.

Join the Discussion

Name*
Email* (Gravatar supported)
Note: Comments must be approved before being displayed.
← Previous post
Next post →

Sidebar

Subscribe
0 items $0.00 USD

From the Blog

  • Yes, Virginia - childhood traditions and hope for a New Year

    by Mayme Baker on January 01, 2014
    As we begin a spanking... Read more...

Follow Us

Contact

Email: info@maymebakerstudio.com
Phone: 864.467.1930

Twitter Feed

Footer

Follow Us

Contact

Email: info@maymebakerstudio.com
Phone: 864.467.1930

From the Blog

  • Yes, Virginia - childhood traditions and hope for a New Year

    by Mayme Baker on January 01, 2014
    As we begin a spanking... Read more...
© 2021 Mayme Baker Studio All rights reserved.
864.467.1930 | 93 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601 | Map It
Mayme Baker Studio Terms and Policies
Web Design and Development by The Whitaker Group. A Digital Marketing Firm.
  • About Us
  • /
  • Search

We accept