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, one with 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, which is said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to those who have it as a guardian. The A-gyo represents the voice of the temple god, while the Un-gyo represents the attentive ear of the god. Together, they symbolize the power of communication and the ability to hear and understand the prayers of the faithful.
The design of Komainu statues varies depending on the region and period, but they often have fierce-looking expressions and are depicted as powerful and noble beasts. They are frequently shown with a mane and a large curled tail, and can be adorned with accessories such as a ball, sword, or jewel, which are also symbolic.
Komainu are also used in gardens, cemeteries, and private residences as decorative elements to bring luck, security, 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 protect the temple and its people from danger.
This product refers to a pair.
Weight: 1000 g
Height: 18.8 cm
Length: 17 cm
Width: 10.6 cm
*Images are for illustrative purposes only
**Product is semi-handmade, so there may be slight variations in relation to the photo, dimensions, and weight.
***Product is for decoration purposes, it is definitely not a toy
****Fragile product
*****Color shades may vary from monitor to monitor
