![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/D22B80BB-2828-426F-8AD2-C0DB40A0FF05/2A51AMR.jpg)
Koma-inu: Guardian Lion-Dog, 1185-1333. Placed at the entrance to shrines and temples in Japan, lion-like guardian figures warded off evil spirits. These lion-dogs are distinguishable by their faces: one looks fierce, mouth closed, while the other seems mid-roar, mouth agape. The idea of guardian-lions likely came to Japan from China via Korea, giving rise to the name koma-inu meaning "Korean ;
Size: 4128px × 4167px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 1185-1333, art, cleveland, heritage, japan, kamakura, museum, period, polychromy, sculpture, traces, unknown, wood