ON DISPLAY

Bai Yun Fo Shan Style Lion

A rare example of Bai Yun’s handiwork presides in the Wo Hing Temple in Maui. The original black beard and bristle hair along the upper mouth area seem to have been replaced with white fur. No matter. The lion still appears lively and fierce so many years after its creation. Telltale signs of Bai Yun’s craftsmanship include the attractive color blending, the bristle hair that remains erect, and the cut of the metallic paper that decorates the eyes. Long may people be able to admire this lion in this historic museum!

Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park Lion Restoration

The Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park is home to the oldest continuously-used Chinese temple (Cloud Forest Temple) in California. It remains an important and fascinating connection with the past for Chinese-Americans, as many of their ancestors journeyed there in search of gold. One of the oldest lions in the state stands guard over many historical artifacts. See more photos and read about its restoration as well as other facts about the temple.

Chinese Culture Center Dragons

The Chinese Culture Center (in the Hilton Hotel, Financial District, San Francisco) stages performances and annual displays of dragons and other Chinese art during the Lunar New Year celebration. The monochromatic dragon was specially crafted out of luxurious beige fabrics for the Year of the Dragon celebration in 2000.

Golden Dragon

Golden dragon at Empress of China in San Francisco, USA. Eye detail shows rich variety of materials used in decoration step. Original artist unknown. Restoration artist unknown.

Bao Hua’s Fo Shan Style Liu Bei Lion

Rare example of Bao Hua’s (Hong Kong) ornate Fo Shan style Liu Bei lion was on temporary display at Chinese Historical Society of America (San Francisco, USA) on loan from a private collector. Great care was and is being taken to preserve this magnificent specimen from a golden age of lion craftsmanship. Though the lion was used in actual performance, the performers obviously respected this lion. It was handled properly and kept in excellent condition.

Huge Dragon Head

Huge dragon head on display at Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco, USA. A very old (circa earlier 1900s) dragon made by unknown craftsman. Horns unattached. Dragon is layered with silk fabric, not paper. Unfortunately, the silk is deteriorating rapidly. Vibrancy of the high-quality paint still obvious, as is the care taken in decorating this once-proud dragon.

Luo An’s Fo Shan Style Liu Bei Lion

A highly-decorated example of Luo An’s (Hong Kong) signature Fo Shan style Liu Bei lion. This wonderful lion head keeps watch over the front entry at Hee Hing Restaurant in Oahu, USA. To this day, Luo An lions are considered some of the finest lions ever crafted.