A charmingly grotesque pair of Japanese mingei (folk) carved guardian lions, komainu, Edo Period, early 19th century.
Each carved from a single block of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood. They are portrayed seated on their haunches, hunched, as if ready to pounce. Their oversized heads surrounded by a bushy mane, with bulging eyes, teeth bared in a ferocious grin. One has its mouth open, performing the Buddhist seed syllable "ah" (beginning), the other with its mouth closed, expressing the Buddhist seed syllable "un" (end). Taken together, they represent the cycle of life, and symbolize balance.
Komainu are commonly confused with the related karashishi, and are often referred as foo lions or foo dogs...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Cypress Animal Sculptures