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Pair of Japanese Gilt Wood Komainu, Guardian Lions, Early 20th Century, Japan

About the Item

A charming and mischievous pair of Japanese carved, gilt and painted komainu, often mistaken for foo dogs or foo lions, Showa Period, 1920's, Japan. The two komainu, or guardian lions, are portrayed seated upon their haunches, heads slightly turned. The two beasts are well carved, with wonderful musculature, flowing manes, and bushy tails. Their faces a mix of ferocious and comical. The eyes of reverse painted glass with gilt highlights. One is a true komainu, (lion-dog), with a horn on its head, and its mouth closed. The other is a shishi, (lion), with its mouth open, and no horn. The komainu sports a mane and tail pigmented blue with gilt highlights. The shishi sports a mane and tail pigmented green with gilt highlights. Both figures richly gilt in gold lacquer. Komainu are protective beings, similar to foo lions or foo dogs, but specific to Shinto shrines. They are always depicted in pairs - one with its mouth open, the other with its mouth closed. The guardian with its mouth closed also sports a horn to its head is referred to as the komainu (lion-dog), while its partner is usually referred to as a shishi (lion). When paired together, the pair are collectively referred to as komainu. The komainu presented on custom wooden bases. Measurements of lions only: approximately 17.5" H x 16" W x 10" D each.

Dimensions:

Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Width: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Depth: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)

Style:

Showa (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Cypress,Glass,Wood,Gilt,Hand-Carved,Hand-Painted,Joinery

Place of Origin:

Japan

Period:

1920-1929

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1920

Condition:

Additions or alterations made to the original: Set on later custom wooden bases. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading. The gilding worn in some areas, revealing the black lacquer or wood beneath. Both lions with loss of pigments to the manes and tails, some revealing the wood underneath. The open mouth lion with a cracked eye.

Seller Location:

Austin, TX

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU894723050102

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