These pieces stand 43" tall x 19"w x 11'deep, there's a Male with the ball and female with a full sized pup, each dog has a moveable ball in their mouth. These are exstreamly heavy, its hard to tell what kind of wood it is underneath all the patina but I'm assuming it some type of Rosewood? There's hand forged iron hardware on the back and other attachment grooves. These are in excellent condition.
These were purchased from the Love family estate in 2015, this family started Love's Bread somtime in the 19th century and it grew to become a world wide name. They purchased these on a trip to China in the early 1920's along with half a boat load of incredible Asian Antiques, it was all brought back to their original estate in Honolulu then passed on through the family ever since. I was told they were originally entrance pieces to a temple, but they almost look like they were part of some altar or bed frame?
Thank you for submitting your items for appraisal. This appears to be a pair of japanese 19th century late Meiji period Foo Dogs mounted on rosewood pedestals or architectural elements, possibly once part of a house entrance or stairway. The dark patina might suggest that they once were placed in a shrine or temple, exposed to smoke. The estimate is based on similar items offered or sold at auction. There is no measurement for the sentimental value you might attach to the item.