
Collection Online as of August 15, 2022
Part of a set. See all set records
Wood with traces of polychromy
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1924.351.1
not on view
Placed at the entrance to shrines and temples in Japan, lion-like guardian figures warded off evil spirits. These lion-dogs are distinguishable by their faces: one looks fierce, mouth closed, while the other seems mid-roar, mouth agape. The idea of guardian-lions likely came to Japan from China via Korea, giving rise to the name koma-inu meaning "Korean dog."