Japan, Edo Period (1603 - 1867), Massive Wooden Guardian Lion With Old Traces Of Lacquer

Japan
Edo period (1603 – 1867) / 19th century

Guardian lion represented seated, head turned to the left, it has a massive body with powerful chest and legs, thus expressing great strength. The mane and tail are treated in large swirling wisps and feature tufts of hair in large, undulating locks. The expressively rendered head features piercing eyes, swirling tufts of hair and a closed mouth (a gyō), traditionally interpreted as evoking the last letter of the Sanskrit alphabet (um) and which can, by analogy , refer to the western omega.
Called komainu in Japan and placed in pairs at the entrance to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, guardian lions are the protectors of the faith and chase away evil spirits.

The traditional technique used here for shaping the statue is called Yosegi-Zukuri and consists of carving different pieces designed separately before manufacture (more than ten here) and then assembling them using nails.

Wood, glass, old traces of lacquer
Small accidents, cracks and normal wear related to the age of the piece
39 x 41 cm
Private collection