Antique Chinese Carved Wood Opposing Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions, 19th. Century - Qing Dynasty

New Photos Coming Soon.  We were delighted to find these extremely rare pair of museum quality opposing hand carved and polychromed foo dogs or fu lions. Loyal guardians of the home - or temple.
This pair, both males, were hand crafted in the 19th Century, possibly earlier. Each has the 'earth' in his 'paw'. The males are inhaling, representing life. Always display the pair together.
Body can best be described as charcoal gray in colour, with brick red, black and antique white polychrome highlights all made with matural pigments.
The captivating expressions on each of the faces are quite unique and somewhat endearing - large round eyes with open mouths displaying a good set of teeth to ward off evil spirits! Displayed with the correct lighting, these will look stunning.
One is substantially heavier than the other. They are heavy weighing in at: 18lbs and 13lbs.
No markings.
19th C. or earlier.
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Condition is good for age with scattered loss and distress and lots of character.
Each is 20" long x 8" wide x 18" tall.
31 pounds total weight.