One of the most famous and favorite designs in Japanese and Chinese art, foo dog tattoos, also known as ‘the lion of buddha’, are in fact lions and not dogs. here we delve behind this beloved creature.
foo dogs are most often shown in pairs and are considered guardians. Widely represented in both Asian art and tattoos, foo dogs were adopted by the Chinese royal family and used as a symbol of spiritual protection and imperial strength. large carved stone foo dogs were placed at the entrances of palaces, temples and other important buildings; standing as guards with honor and pride.
many foo dog statues resemble popular chinese dog breeds and that is why people assume buddha lions to be dogs. While most paired foo dogs are male, it is not uncommon to see a male and a female foo dog placed together, as the male is said to represent heaven and the female earth.
Foo dog tattoos are a popular oriental design and are often combined with other Asian symbols such as flowers and dragons. Foo dog tattoos are also a popular image in traditional Japanese tattoos and have found a place in many irezumi-style bodysuits and sleeves.
foo dog tattoo history
foo dogs first originated in china during the han dynasty; approximately around the year 208 B.C. Its creation is said to have been inspired after Silk Road travelers introduced live lions to the Han court. Shortly after the introduction of the lion to China, huge marble and granite statues were built to honor the magnificent creatures. as they were believed to provide strong spiritual protection while also promoting good fortune. During this time, lions were considered a valuable gift exchanged between royalty and the elite. they were highly valued and revered for their ferocity, loyalty, and royal disposition. Many prominent families along Asian trade routes began placing these guardian lion statues in front of their temples, businesses, and homes. over time, his use became more widespread as cheaper versions of his likeness became available, allowing government buildings and less well-off households to display his statues.
foo dog tattoo symbolism
Thanks to the foo dog’s reputation as a bringer of peace and protector of evil, the image of these guardian lions has remained popular in many tattoo styles. When it comes to exploring foo dog tattoo meaning, there are several common reasons why people select this symbol for their body art. Many believe that a Chinese foo dog tattoo can provide powerful spiritual protection, while others choose this design to show good luck, positive energy, or inner peace.
According to feng shui and Chinese tradition, foo dogs should always be placed in pairs to serve their true purpose; traditionally with a male lion on the right and a female on the left. the lioness is believed to symbolize “yin” energy; and works to protect the people within the structure, while the male lion represents “yang” energy; and is responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the building itself.
To tell the difference between a male or female foo dog, you need to examine what’s under its paw. In female foo dog depictions, the paw is always shown resting on her pup, symbolizing a sense of maternal instinct, protection, and a nurturing spirit. instead, the male foo dog is shown with a ball under his paw, symbolizing ground and control over circumstances.
In addition to gender-related symbolism, the position of the foo dogs’ mouth is also used to convey special meaning. When shown in pairs, a foo dog’s mouth is always closed to symbolize maintaining good humor, while the other is open to ward off evil. In Japan, the woman is recognized as the guardian of benevolent spirits, while the man is used to ward off negative forces.
Are foo dogs Chinese or Japanese?
Although Chinese and Japanese foo dogs are depicted in the same way, there are some subtle differences between the two cultures when it comes to these mythical beings.
In Japan, Chinese guardian lions are known as “shisa” and are believed to be powerful protectors in Okinawan mythology. These creatures appeared to be a cross between a lion and a dog and were inspired by traditional Chinese foo dog statues. It was during the Edo period that the Japanese began to adopt foo dog imagery and mythology.
An interesting difference between Japanese and Chinese foo dogs can be found in the symbolism of their mouths. In China, a pair of foo dogs are often shown with one mouth open and one mouth closed to represent the process of breathing, and are often considered to mimic the “om” sound. however, in traditional Japanese folklore; The male foo dog’s mouth remains open to ward off bad energies while the female foo dog keeps her mouth closed as she is believed to be in a good mood.
Another interesting difference to explore between cultures is how they place protective foo dog statues outside their residences. In China, foo dogs have traditionally been placed as large statues outside temples, palaces, and places of business; while the Japanese have chosen to place their “shisa” on rooftops or in closed doorways for optimal protection.
what is the correct name for foo dogs?
There are many different names foo dogs go by. we’ve listed several names below!
karajishi
This is the Japanese term for foo dogs. you can also see the term karajishi botan very often in irezumi… this means dog food and peonies! this is a favorite motif that irezumi tattoo artists use for foo dog tattoo designs.
chinese guardian lions
In China, foo dogs are described as Chinese guardian lions and are never called “dogs”. Although they may appear similar to certain dog breeds like the Chow Chow or the Shih Tzu, these mystical creatures were actually based on real lions. Throughout history, Chinese guardian lions have been placed in front of the homes and businesses of Asia’s elite to ward off negative people, energies, and spirits.
stone lions
Foo dogs are sometimes referred to as “stone lions” due to their historical depiction as statues along the trade routes of Asia. Traditionally made of granite and marble, the term stone lion was used to describe these majestic and protective creatures.
shi and shishi
foo dogs are sometimes described as “shi” or “shishi”, which are Mandarin terms that translate to “lion” and “stone lion”.
fu dogs
Apart from the “foo” spelling, Chinese guardian lions may also be referred to as “fu dogs” or “fu lions”. this is derived from the Chinese transliterations of the words “fó”, meaning buddha, and “fú”, meaning prosperity and good luck.
the best foo dog tattoo styles
irezumi foo dog tattoos
Japanese foo dog tattoos possess a special cultural tie to the historical symbol while appearing visually fierce and expressive. In Japan, foo dogs are known as “shisa” and are believed to be powerful guardians according to Okinawan mythology. When rendered in a traditional irezumi style, shisa tattoos are often large-scale in nature, featuring both male and female lions.
traditional blackwork foo dog tattoos
For those looking for a foo dog hand tattoo, or a smaller scale foo dog tattoo design, traditional blackwork styles work well to provide a strong, classic feel to this fierce motif. Thanks to the strong saturation this style employs, your foo dog piece is sure to stand out.
black and gray foo dog tattoos
Whether you’re interested in a foo dog sleeve or a foo dog back piece, the black and gray styles work great for displaying these loyal old guards. this particular style looks amazing in a variety of sizes ranging from small tattoos to large-scale pieces.
new school foo dog tattoos
If you prefer modern styles, cartoonish depictions, bright colors and distorted features, then a new school foo dog tattoo may be the right choice for you!
best locations for foo dog tattoos
foo dog tattoo on the back
Back tattoos of a foo dog have remained a consistent popular placement thanks to the space the back provides for additional design elements, large-scale detail, and intricate symbolism.
foo dog tattoo on hand
The foo dog hand tattoo is believed to be an excellent talisman against evil and negativity; while helping to promote the wearer’s inner peace and tranquility. Thanks to its highly visible placement, this design is often used to create a daily reminder of wellness and encourage a sense of spiritual security.
foo dog tattoo on chest
If you want to showcase both the male and female foo dog within your design, a foo dog tattoo on the chest may be an ideal placement for you! many who select this layout place their foo dogs on corresponding sides of their body, with females on the left and males on the right. this attention to placement helps to invoke the protective qualities of the Chinese guardian lion.
foo dog tattoo on arm
Whether you’re interested in a foo dog forearm tattoo or a foo dog sleeve, the arm is a good location for this ancient and mystical design.
foo dog tattoo on leg
From pairs of foo dogs appearing on the thighs to detailed foo dog calf pieces, the leg is a great space to experiment with Japanese foo dog tattoo designs.
We hope these foo dog tattoos have inspired you for your next tattoo! If you’re interested in more irezumi designs, check out our guide to Japan’s mythological creatures.
