Kanso House
Antique Pair of Small Japanese Carved Temple Lions
Antique Pair of Small Japanese Carved Temple Lions
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A lovely little pair of carved temple lions, called Shi Shi or Komainu in Japan.
They are often found guarding the entrances to temples and shrines in Japan.
They are also, always in a pair. The one with mouth open is the male, shown with mouth open, inhaling. Representing Life. And the other, female, shown with mouth close, exhaling, representing death. Together, they represent the circle of life.
These Komainu are very small, so likely came off a small shrine or were a small detail on a larger shrine.
You can still see the dovetail section at the back of each which would have slotted into a part of the shrine.
See last photo for example of similar larger pieces on a Japanese Temple.
Each one Measures approx 7cm long x 5cm tall







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About us
Kanso House is an online store, occasionally hosting popups in Victoria, Australia.
We are a family run small business with a passion for beautiful functional objects.
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this lovley family run business on the Mornington Peninsual

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