DOGS OF PHO
varnished stoneware
Like the threatening gargoyles found on ancient Western cathedrals, these bizarre creatures of the Far East, with their gaping mouths, had the purpose of warning visitors and averting evil influences, in order to protect a sacred place.
The dogs of Pho, colorful and lively sentinels, were conceived as a pair: the female (Yin) is holding a puppy, the male (Yang) is resting its paw on a spherical object, symbolizing the world.
China, 19th Century
cm 53 height
