Foo Lion Roar, Granite & Black Marble Editions

by Ferdi B Dick

Overview

Foo Lion Roar is my contemporary take on the classic “Foo Dogs” better known in Asia as Chinese guardian lions. Western visitors long ago thought these sculptures looked like certain dog breeds, so the nickname stuck. But they are lions, and their job is simple: protect the entrance and invite good fortune.

The work blends my South African lion heritage with the traditions of my new home in Malaysia. It’s strength and care held together in one pair.

The Pair: Yin & Yang

• Male (yang): paw on a ball symbol of the world, order, and prosperity.
  

• Female (yin): paw on a cub symbol of family, nurture, and protection.
  Together they express balance: strength with compassion.
  
  

Materials & Feel

Granite edition “Foo Lion Roar (Granite)”

Carved in light grey granite, this edition has a crisp, architectural feel. Granite gives the forms a clean grain and outdoor durability, echoing the long tradition of guardian lions placed at gates and front doors. The surface reads clearly in daylight and suits both modern homes and classic facades.

Black marble edition “Foo Lion Roar (BLACK MARBLE)”

The black marble version deepens the mood: sleek, reflective, and quietly dramatic. The darker stone compresses the silhouette, emphasizing the roar like mouth and the confident paws. Indoors, it plays beautifully with soft lighting; at an entrance, it reads as formal and luxurious.

Placement & Feng Shui

Traditionally, guardian lions are installed as a pair at gates, pillars, or the front door. Looking from the street toward the door:
male/ball on the right, female/cub on the left.
Many of my Asian collectors consult a feng shui master by video call before placing them and so far, so good. The intention is to protect the house and support wealth. As contemporary art, they can be reversed if it suits the space.

Artist’s Intent

I wanted to keep the heart of the tradition but speak in my own voice. The forms are simplified and modern, but the meaning is intact: guardianship, prosperity, and care for family a bridge between South Africa and Malaysia, between old ritual and modern life.