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