Pho Dog in bronze on a red wooden base

Foo dogs or lion dogs are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. The concept features a pair of stylized lions, which were believed to protect the building from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people. The left lion dog is the female, usually with a cup under her left paw, representing nurture. The right one is the male, usually with an embroidered ball under his right front paw, representing supremacy. The presentation in pairs is a manifestation of yin and yang.