Antique Japanese Carved Wooden Lion / Edo Period / Temple Carving / Guardian

Details

Description

This is thought to be a kibana lion from the middle to late Edo period.

A kibana is a wood … Read more This is thought to be a kibana lion from the middle to late Edo period.

A kibana is a wood carving found on Japanese shrine and temple buildings. In traditional Japanese architecture, the ends of the beams that pass through the pillars project outward. The decorative carving made on the tip of such a beam is called a kibana. Besides lions, elephants, baku (mythical tapir-like creatures), and dragons were also carved. It is said that they also served to protect the building.

The lion is not a creature that originated in Japan. It is said that the form of the lion, which originally existed in distant countries to the west, crossed to China and was then brought to Japan along with Buddhism. Lions have been treasured in Japan as guardian beasts that protect buildings at the entrances of shrines and temples. This kibana lion is one of those lions.

The wood is most likely zelkova (keyaki). Zelkova is a beautiful wood that has often been used for shrines and temples. It has a clear grain and is sturdy.

Please take a look at the carving and design as well. The nose is large, and so are the eyes. This kind of expression, seen in lions, appears here and there from the middle to the late Edo period. That is why we believe this lion dates from the middle to late Edo period.

It has a somewhat endearing, soft look. It looks a little like a dog as much as a lion. The large nose has a charm of its own, and is rather cute. Although it is a sacred guardian with dignity, it has a face that feels somehow approachable. It is the kind of expression that makes you want to talk to it.

Now, about its condition. We believe it is in relatively good condition. However, the fang on the left side as seen from the front has been chipped. There are also traces of insect damage. There are no insects at present, so please rest assured.

Kibana were often placed under eaves, and because of this, some have turned whitish or taken on a grayish tone. This kibana, however, has not taken on such colors. With the passing of the years, the wood has developed a deep, subdued brown. It is a texture that we personally love very much.

A metal rod appears in the photos from time to time. When the lion is simply placed down, it tilts slightly, so we inserted the rod to level it. When you display it, please place something under it in the same way to keep it level.

Kibana are originally large pieces, and this lion, too, has a considerable size. It would be a fine idea to display it in the main spot of a room. Placed on a console in an entrance hall or on a shelf, it becomes the star of the space. In front of a white wall, the shadows of the carving stand out crisply. It also blends well with old wooden furniture and black iron stands. It makes a strong accent not only in Japanese-style spaces, but in modern ones as well.

We highly recommend this piece.

※Please note that the images displayed for this item include AI-generated display photos towards the end. The colors and actual size may differ from the images shown, so please consider them as illustrative images to help you visualize how the item would look in your interior.

Size: W44.6cm × D26.5cm × H35cm
Weight: 8.95kg
Item No.: SC179

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