"Koma-inu" (Korean Dog) are lion-like guardians of temples and shrines, showing many influences from both Chinese and Korean ancestry, the mouths carved to articulate the mantra syllables ‘ah’ and ‘um’. Expressively carved of hinoki (cypress), these examples
are from Nagoya and date from the 18th century
(Edo Period). Polychromed, measuring 22" and 25" tall,
27" deep, and 9" wide.
Jizō Bodhisattva statue, also known as Ksitigarbha, or more respectfully Ojizō-sama. Traditionally the guardian of children. This example from Saitama Prefecture, circa 1800, carved from hinoki (cypress), 19" tall, 15" wide and 11" deep. Missing halo. For an exhaustive history of Jizo, click here.
Folding Screen ‘Tale of Genji’. Artwork circa 1750-1790, gold leaf and polychrome, 24 1/2” tall, 108” wide. Note that the mounting is not original.