Komainu (also known as lion-dog or shishi) is a statue or ornament commonly found in East Asian culture, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea. They are typically found in pairs, with one having an open mouth (A-gyo) and the other with a closed mouth (Un-gyo), and are often placed at the entrance of shrines, temples, and palaces as guardians.
These statues are based on the mythical Chinese lion, believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to those who have it as a guardian. The A-gyo represents the voice of the temple's deity, while the Un-gyo represents the attentive ear of the deity. Together, they symbolize the power of communication and the ability to listen to and understand the prayers of the faithful.
The design of Komainu statues varies depending on the region and time period, but they often feature fierce expressions and are depicted as powerful and noble beasts. They are frequently shown with a mane and a large curly tail and may be adorned with accessories like a ball, sword, or jewel, which are also symbolic.
Komainu are also used in gardens, cemeteries, and private homes as decorative elements to bring luck, safety, protection, and prosperity to the owner. They are also considered a symbol of the ability to bring balance between the masculine and feminine forces of the universe and to protect the temple and its people from harm.
The product is a single unit, not a pair.
Weight: 1000 g
Height: 18.8 cm
Length: 17 cm
Width: 10.6 cm
*Images for illustrative purposes only.
**The product is semi-handmade, so there may be slight variations from the photo, dimensions, and weight.
***Product intended for decoration, definitely not a toy.
****Fragile product.
*****The color shade may vary from monitor to monitor.
