Artwork Page for Guardian Animal: Komainu

Details / Information for Guardian Animal: Komainu

Guardian Animal: Komainu

狛犬像

1300s

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185–1333)
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Medium
Wood with traces of color
Measurements
Overall: 49.6 cm (19 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1924.351.1
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Placed at the entrance to shrines and temples in Japan, guardian figures ward off evil spirits. These guardians used to be painted red and white and are distinguishable by their facial expressions: the open-mouthed animal is a karashishi, or “Chinese lion,” while the close-mouthed beast, which once had a single horn protruding from its head, is called a komainu, or “Korean dog.” The mouths correspond to infinity, the syllables ah (open) and um (closed), or the alpha and omega. This pairing was widespread in ancient times in Chinese territories and likely found its way to Japan via kingdoms in Korea.
A weathered wood sculpture depicts a four-legged guardian animal with a stocky body and a large head. The pale brown wood exhibits deep vertical grain and cracks, with traces of reddish-brown color on its thick, segmented mane. Bulging eyes and a wide snout are carved into the figure's worn face. A large, fan-shaped tail curls up on its right side, and the animal rests on thick, sturdy legs.

Guardian Animal: Komainu

1300s

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

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