origin Kyushu Island; 17th century or earlier.
cedar wood (hinoki)
height: 50cm; length 40cm; width 30cm
although known as Lion Dogs only the one on the left is a Lion Dog identified by his closed mouth and horn and the one on the right is a Lion identified by his open mouth.
the Lion (Kara Shishi - Chinese Lion) is derived from Chinese images of lions during the 8th century. The Lion Dog (Komainu - Korean Dog) is a mythical beast derived from Korea also during the 8th century.
In this example of the Lion Dog the face resembles a human which is intended as in ancient times it was said that people from Kyushu Island dressed and barked like dogs when guarding the Emperor.
the Lion Dogs are seen as guardians of Shinto shrines but also adopted for Buddhist temples in place of the guardian figures Nio. The lion is a guardian of Buddhism as seen in India and China.
#m20
enquire: jw.myeast@gmail.com
origin Kyushu Island; 17th century or earlier.
cedar wood (hinoki)
height: 50cm; length 40cm; width 30cm
although known as Lion Dogs only the one on the left is a Lion Dog identified by his closed mouth and horn and the one on the right is a Lion identified by his open mouth.
the Lion (Kara Shishi - Chinese Lion) is derived from Chinese images of lions during the 8th century. The Lion Dog (Komainu - Korean Dog) is a mythical beast derived from Korea also during the 8th century.
In this example of the Lion Dog the face resembles a human which is intended as in ancient times it was said that people from Kyushu Island dressed and barked like dogs when guarding the Emperor.
the Lion Dogs are seen as guardians of Shinto shrines but also adopted for Buddhist temples in place of the guardian figures Nio. The lion is a guardian of Buddhism as seen in India and China.
#m20
enquire: jw.myeast@gmail.com
