Antique paired sculpture "Fo Dogs". Made of bronze. Under the base there is a manufacturer's mark. Japan, 20th century.

Images of the Fo dog, according to the beliefs of the inhabitants of the Japanese islands, had the ability to drive away evil spirits and all sorts of troubles. Fo dogs were quite common in Far Eastern art in general and Japanese art in particular, which is due to the popularity of this character. In a pair, Fo are located on the sides of the entrance to keep evil out of the house. The boy holds a ball in his paws, and the girl holds a cub.