Two Chinese fu dogs (shi/lions) carved from marble, each one seated upon a small pedestal, their mouths partially open with a carved ball inside. Storage box included, with insert titled "The Story of Fine Taiwan Marble". (taken from insert) "Curiously, though the existence of huge deposits of quality marble in Taiwan's rugged, eastern mountains was known for years, mining only commenced in 1962. That year, the Chinese Government's veterans administration (VACRS), searching for gainful employment for Chinese war veterans, decided to try quarrying and processing Taiwan marble. Starting only with a tradition for fine marble craftsmanship made famous in the pavilions, palaces, and furniture of Old China, Taiwan's veterans rapidly revived the ancient Chinese art of marblecrafting." Size: 6.75" height, 3.75" width