Japan a tall early antique stone temple mythical Shi Shi Temple Foo Dog Lion also known as Komainu hand-carved in sandstone.

Dimensions: 23 inches high and 10 inches wide and 16 inches deep

Age: great age dating to the middle Edo period (1800-1840). Old and original patina with aged and substantial traces of encrustation still visible. Ancient repair.

These Older Buddhist mythological Komainu like this example are infrequently found in not only this impressive size, but in this early age. Today these are often seen guarding entrances to Japanese Buddhist temples and shrines.

About Shishi Komainu Ah and Un:

Temple Shishi are traditionally depicted, one with mouth open (Ah) and one with mouth closed (Un). Ah is the first sound in the Japanese alphabet, while Un (pronounced un) is the last. These two sounds symbolize beginning and end, birth and death, and all possible outcomes (from alpha to Omega) in the cosmic dance of existence.

Provenance: found in a Fukuoka garden ; deaccessioned from an area temple

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

Our gallery has been dealing in authentic Japanese and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.

We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden Association.