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