Fu Lions? In China?
So yeah, apparently Fu Lions are/were a pretty popular fixture in China (go figure). They always come in pairs, with the male playing with a ball and the female with a cub. In pre-modern China they were believed to have powerful protective powers. Nowadays you can see them outside of almost any place of business: restaurant, hotel, supermarket, bank, you name it.
A close up of a Fu Lion outside Xiangjiao Temple in Xi’an, China. It is not uncommon to see similarly intricate detail on many of the statues around China.
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I wonder if the lions’ protective powers would translate to tattoos? Could I have a pair inked on and receive those powerful benefits? Where’s a Chinese sage when you need one?
There are similar themes in other asian cultures as well. Many of the asian restaurants, stores – even doctor offices!-in Houston have something like this in the decor. And typically, if you’re ballsy enough to ask questions (me), there’s a very good story, both historical and personal, behind many of the pieces.
@Stevo: I’m just guessing, but I don’t think it works that way. Also, getting a tattoo in China? Erm, seems like an incredibly bad idea and totally counter-intuitive to your intention.
@Linz: That is definitely true. The Fu Lion is so distinctively Chinese and has such a high level of proliferation that it is immediately recognizable and can be found almost anywhere in the world.
Correct, Graham. I’d get the tat in HK, where sanitary practices are a little more evolved.
Buddy that’s a nice photograph. Bravo.
Thanks! I can’t say this enough because it’s so true: I’m still learning! I have a long road ahead of me to improve my photography but it’s always gratifying to know you stumble upon a pretty good pic every now and them.