| As the saying goes, what's old is new again. | | | | Buddha is often displayed in living rooms, |
| That's never truer than when it comes to home | | | | studies, and master bedrooms. The |
| decorating. Buddhist art in general - and Foo | | | | peacefulness and tranquility that a bronze |
| Dogs in particular - has become increasingly | | | | Buddha or a laughing Buddha radiates is a |
| popular with professional and amateur | | | | welcome respite after a stressful commute or |
| decorators alike. Many people were first | | | | a long day at the office. |
| exposed to Buddhist art when feng shui - the | | | | |
| Chinese art and science of arranging space in | | | | Buddhist art isn't the only form of ancient |
| harmony with the environment - first became | | | | art that has increased in popularity. Both |
| popular. Although feng shui has is roots in | | | | Egyptian art and Greek art have enjoyed a |
| Taoism, the Chinese incorporated Buddhist | | | | resurgence of interest. For example, plaques |
| art, such as Foo Dogs, into the design of | | | | depicting Isis or Anubis adorn many modern |
| their buildings from the second century B.C. | | | | walls. In ancient Egypt, Isis was worshipped |
| | | | as one who protected her son from danger and |
| Foo Dogs, sometimes known as guardian lions, | | | | who would protect mortal children as well. |
| are generally placed on either side of a | | | | Anubis, typically depicted as having the head |
| building's entrance. According to Buddhist | | | | of a jackal, is known as the God of the Dead. |
| tradition, Foo Dogs are the guardians of | | | | |
| Dharma, or the Truth. Typically displayed in | | | | As with Egyptian art, many people are |
| pairs, the male lion has his paw on a | | | | choosing to decorate their homes with |
| representation of the Earth, and the female | | | | replicas of Greek art pieces. Vases, wall |
| has her paw on her cub. Male Foo Dogs protect | | | | sculptures, busts, and friezes are all being |
| the actual building, while female Foo Dogs | | | | used as decorating elements in today's homes. |
| protect those inside the building. | | | | Many women feel empowered when they see |
| Historically, they were placed at the gates | | | | sculptures of ancient Goddesses, and are |
| of temples, at the entrances to tombs, and at | | | | giving such sculptures places of honor in |
| the front of altars. Today, replicas of Foo | | | | their homes. |
| Dogs are often used outdoors as decorative | | | | |
| elements at the bottoms of driveways or | | | | As testaments to their faith, Christians are |
| indoors near the front doors. | | | | embracing the concept of incorporating |
| | | | Christian art into their homes. Christian art |
| Foo Dogs are not the only forms of Buddhist | | | | may take the form of depictions of The Last |
| art that are popular with decorators and | | | | Supper or The Ten Commandments, or may even |
| collectors. A bronze Buddha or a laughing | | | | include statues of angels and saints. |