Origins

The guardian sculpture, a distinctive drainage feature in the architecture of Quanzhou, Fujian, China, traces its origins to the late Qing Dynasty. During this period, people from Fujian who prospered in the Philippines returned to their hometowns with wealth and architectural influences from Southeast Asia. They renovated their homes, creating structures known as “Fan Zai Lou,” with the gargoyle as a unique architectural element. The guardian sculptures typically feature three types of animals: tiger, goldfish, and kirin. The goldfish symbolize abundance in wealth, the tiger represents health, and the kirin signifies prosperity and a thriving family.