Traditional Japanese Komainu / Shishi Set 

-----Description-----

The Komainu (狛犬) and Shishi (獅子) are lions who protect both Buddhist and Shinto Shrines. The origins lead back to ancient China.

Traditionally paired, male and female, one depicted with their mouth open to scare off demons or closed to shelter and keep in good spirits.

Males are depicted with open mouths with a horn on their heads and a paw resting on a sacred wish-fulfilling jewel, "hoshunotama," representing the light that Buddhist wisdom brought to the darkness. Females are depicted with closed mouths, with a paw on a cub. No horns.

In mythology, the males are said to throw their young cubs off cliffs, and only those with the fortitude to claw tehir way back up to the top are allowed under his protection and guidance.

-----Material-----

Wood

-----Sizing-----

Please see pictures for sizing. (We use a tennis ball for customers to gauge the size of the items.)

-----Condition-----

Please note that all the masks listed are old and have been used by Japanese people. This gives the items various weathering and imperfections. They are not perfect. You can see the quality of the items in the photos.

You will receive the mask in the photo.

-----Shipping-----

Shipped via Japan Post or Yamato Courier. Includes tracking number.

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine these additional costs before bidding or buying.

-----Returns-----

Returns are only accepted on items that have been damaged by Yamato Courier