Japanese Showa Era White & Gold Kutani Porcelain Foo Lions (Shishi) With Swords - a Pair, Signed

Guard your home with this magnificent pair of fine Kutani Japanese Foo Lions! (Fu Dogs).
Symbols of justice and peace, loyal guardians of the Emperors they are some of the nicest we've seen. These two opposing males have their paws resting on the pierced brick red ball which symbolises domain over the world.

Importantly both have intact swords in their mouths (these are normally lost or broken), magnificent and proud tails and highly curled manes. The swords are more often than not broken or missing.
Extravagantly hand painted with gold over fine white porcelain, highlighted throughout with raised white and pale blue/lavender enamel work, quite intricate work. This style is hard to find nowadays.
Superb decorative additions to any home.
Impressed hall marked Kutani on underside. Measurements are approximate.
Condition is excellent.

6.5ʺW × 6ʺD × 7.5ʺH

Koma Inu (shi-shi) with sword in mouth. There are a number of readings for these characters. KUTANI Hachi Ei game Hachi You Gama, Yae gama (八栄窯)