Vintage Japanese Asian Majolica Shishi Foo Dog Lion Figurines 1950's Set of 2

This is a beautiful pair of ceramic Shishi in the colorful majolica style, made in Japan in the 1950s. Shishi, or stone lions, were guardian animals that originated in China in the Han Dynasty and were often placed at the entrances of palaces, temples, and homes to guard and protect. Almost always in pairs, male and female, they symbolized yin and yang. The figurines resembled the Chow Chow and Shih Tzu dogs, which led the Shishi to be called "foo dogs" in English. Dimensions approximate 5.25 x 5 x 3  Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, No Imperfections Teal and blue glaze