Today is October 31st, and as demonstrated by the modern western celebration of Halloween (which, by the by, is a fascinating study if you don't already know the history!) all the way to the eastern veneration of spirits and ancestry, each culture has its own practices of superstition. Most people don't still take ancient myths and folklore seriously, but that doesn't stop us from avoiding black cats on Halloween and knocking on wood after a particularly risky statement. In fact, the enjoyment of superstition, myths, lore, and storytelling is key to our fascination with all things eastern and exotic.

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 So let me tell you the story of the Foo Dogs...

"Foo Dogs" is the corroded western term for fú shi ("prosperity lions") or Chinese Imperial guardian lions. These lions can be seen outside palaces, temples, and the private residences of the very wealthy. Lions are not native to the Orient but were brought from India and the Middle East through the Silk Road trade route. Both presented by diplomats as a tribute to the Han court and introduced into Buddhist teaching by the monk Hulin, the "shi" lion slowly but deeply became intrenched into religious and nationalistic iconography. Hulin taught that the lions are protectors of dharma, a Buddhist belief in the balance and circle of life. This teaching, merged with the animals' innate power and regal bearing, made them perfectly suited as imperial guardians. The lions are always presented in pairs: one male and one female: yin and yang. The male is placed on the left with his paw on the earth, depicting domination. The female on the left is presented with her paw on a cub, representing protection and nurture. The pair was thought to bring blessing and provide protection for the inhabitants of the structure over which they stood watch. 

Is it any wonder that with such a rich backstory, Mayme LOVES anything Foo (we could be snobby and say "Fú")? Just look at this shot from her and her son's trip to China last year. She was smitten with the highly stylized, beautiful statues! Is it any wonder that she incorporates foo dogs into her decor scheme whenever possible?

We've certainly been scheming here in the studio! Color scheming, that is. We have received shipment after shipment of market goodies for the past two weeks. Not everything has arrived yet, but I couldn't resist sharing a few vignettes at this stage after Mayme whirled through and placed the new treasures with a wave of her wand...

 scheme in blue, {accented with some amazing faux banana leaves. trompe l'oeil in real time, friends!}

scheme in green, {with envy, if you must}

scheme in plum and aqua-ducks

scheme in rainbow, {see what I did there, LOVE...}

See something you love?

Give us a call (864.467.1930) and stop by the showroom. Not in Greenville? Some of this may be coming to the online shop, but not all of it, so please, either call or email info@maymebakerstudio.com for specific inquiries.

We would love to hear from you, even if we don't have the joy of seeing your face.

 ♥

ABOUT FARROW & BALL

Founded in Dorset, England in the 1930s by John Farrow and Richard Ball, the company that bears their name revolutionized the emerging modern paint industry. Farrow and Ball were completely committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship at a time when the industrial revolution demanded that products be made faster and cheaper, regardless of the effect on quality or the environment. The two paint pioneers formulated their recipes strictly with only the best materials: the paints have an unusually high pigment content and light refracting quality, which in turn produces deep, rich colors. Each hue has a purposeful name, chosen with historical significance or narrative emotion to draw the onlooker into a story. “Mouse’s Back", "Manor House Gray", and "Print Room Yellow” are a few favorites. The company continues to honor the legacy of the old, marrying it with newer environmentally friendly techniques. All F&B paint is water based, dries quickly with minimal odor and is safe for children’s environments. Every one of the curated palette of 132 colors is still produced with pride at the original Dorset factory. This year, Farrow & Ball unveiled nine new colors! In keeping with the practice to choose significant hues, the nine are inspired by and named after the Dorset landscape. You can see those colors here.

 Here are a few color combos I’d like to try...

 DINING ROOM

FARROW & BALL, A DESIGNER’S DARLING

It is no wonder that Farrow & Ball quickly became prized for its unique quality almost from the moment the company began. As important as the wonderfully soulful color range offered are the fabulous finishes available. I’m crazy for the ESTATE EMULSION flat finish. In my world, wall paint cannot be flat enough...this one is as chalky and deep a finish as I’ve seen. And I love the FULL GLOSS finish - which is incredibly versatile for indoors and out…and it is suitable for metal surfaces too. It has almost a lacquered effect…which makes me swoon – and it’s not from the fumes, as there are none! From Royal and government chambers to the houses of private citizens, F&B continues to garner an intelligently devoted following. This article from House Beautiful features designer Alexander Doherty’s revitalization of a 1911 Manhattan apartment, inspired by rooms at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He used exclusively Farrow & Ball paint!