Antique Chinese Foo Dog Coffee Table with Polychrome Carvings
An antique Chinese Foo Dogs coffee table formed from two substantial carved guardian lions with an aged polychrome-painted surface. A new toughened glass top allows the sculptural figures to remain visible while providing a practical tabletop.
Key Features
- Two substantial Chinese guardian lions, commonly known as Foo Dogs
- Hand-carved solid wood construction
- Layered polychrome decoration in blue, green, red and aged gold tones
- Expressive faces, curled tails and strongly modelled bodies
- Naturally worn painted surface with an established antique patina
- New removable 10 mm toughened clear-glass top
- Early 20th-century Chinese origin
- Sculptural furniture combining an antique base with a contemporary glass surface
Full Description
This antique Chinese Foo Dogs coffee table is formed around two hand-carved wooden guardian lions. Each figure has a strongly modelled body, animated expression and tightly curled tail, giving the table considerable sculptural presence from every angle.
The carved surfaces retain layers of aged polychrome decoration, including blue, green, red and muted gold tones. Wear, fading and exposed areas of timber have developed naturally across the figures, giving the surface depth without obscuring the strength of the carving.
Chinese guardian lions were traditionally placed in pairs and associated with protection, authority and balance. Here, the two figures have been adapted to support a newly made 10 mm toughened-glass top. The clear glass provides a functional surface without concealing the carved forms or their time-worn painted finish.
The contrast is particularly effective: the substantial antique carvings provide weight and character, while the precise glass top gives the composition a cleaner architectural line. The result sits somewhere between functional furniture and decorative sculpture, making it particularly well suited to an interior built around individually chosen objects.
Dimensions
Each Foo Dog:
Maximum height to head: 44 cm
Width: 28 cm
Length from nose to tail: 107 cm
Glass top:
Width: 100 cm
Depth: 52 cm
Thickness: 1 cm / 10 mm
Overall footprint: approximately 100 × 107 cm
Tabletop height: 30cm
All dimensions are approximate.
Materials
Hand-carved solid wood
Aged polychrome-painted finish
New 10 mm toughened clear glass
Condition
The carved figures display surface wear, fading, marks and small areas of paint loss consistent with their age and decorative history. These variations form an important part of the table’s appearance.
Evidence of historic woodworm is present. This has been treated and is inactive. The newly fitted toughened-glass top is removable. Overall, the coffee table presents well and remains suitable for its intended use.
Decorative objects shown in the photographs are not included unless specifically stated.
Origin and Period
China
Early 20th century
New glass top
Styling Suggestions
The table has sufficient scale and sculptural presence to stand centrally within a living room or seating area. Its combination of aged colour and clear glass works particularly well alongside plain upholstery, natural textiles and furniture with restrained lines.
The projecting carved figures should be considered when planning its position, particularly where circulation space is limited.
FAQ
Are the Foo Dogs antique?
Yes. The carved wooden guardian lions date from the early 20th century. The toughened-glass top is newly made.
Is the glass top removable?
Yes. It can be removed for transportation, cleaning or repositioning.
What do Chinese Foo Dogs represent?
More accurately described as Chinese guardian lions, they are traditionally associated with protection and authority. They were commonly positioned in pairs to create a balanced arrangement.
Can the coffee table be used normally?
The toughened glass is intended for normal coffee-table use. It should not be used as seating, stood upon or subjected to concentrated heavy loads.
Why This Object Stands Apart
The character of this coffee table comes from the relationship between its materials. The dense, time-worn carvings retain the irregular colour and texture of their decorative history, while the clear glass introduces a precise and functional surface. Importantly, the adaptation leaves both guardian lions exposed and readable as individual sculptures.
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
- Authenticity assured
- UK-based seller, secure checkout
Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
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Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
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There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
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Our pieces have lived a life before coming to Campbell Vintage. As genuine antique and vintage items, they will naturally display signs of age, use and character, including minor marks, losses, wear, fading and patina acquired over time.
Wherever possible, we favour careful conservation over full restoration, preserving the original surfaces and natural character of each piece. Every item is individually inspected and prepared, with any notable restoration or repairs detailed in its product description.
Where there is visible historic evidence of woodworm, the piece is carefully inspected and treated as a precaution, regardless of whether there are any signs of current activity.
These characteristics form part of the piece’s authenticity and history. Please refer to the detailed condition report and photographs for a full assessment.
It now explains your philosophy very clearly: age is expected, preservation is intentional, each piece is individually assessed, and relevant work is disclosed.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
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One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
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