Chinese guardian lions Chinese guardian lions Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lions, often miscalled "Foo Dogs" in the West, are a common representation of the lion in imperial China. Chinese guardian lions are sometimes referred to in English as shishi, from the Chinese shí shī (), which refers specifically to lion sculptures in stone. The concept, which originated and became popular in Chinese Buddhism, subsequently spread to other parts of Asia including, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos and Singapore. Since the introduction of the lion symbolism during the Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 220) from
He Is Na Dog, He Is a Lam although he joked with James Dog in verse, no malice was intended. He merely wanted to entertain the Queen. He dispenses more praise for Dog. Then with mock sympathy for the man he has just praised he prays that Dog's wife, who supposedly beats her husband, should be "drowned in a dam." Mrs. Dog, who is also unfaithful to her husband, should be "thoroughly beaten with a rail". Dunbar then seamlessly returns to his praise of the "obedient" James Dog and so concludes the poem. He Is Na Dog, He Is a Lam He Is Na Dog, He Is A