Japanese Guardian Lion Dog

Art

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Name/Title

Japanese Guardian Lion Dog

Entry/Object ID

MK_0154

Description

Standing proud in the Mauna Kea garden room, this Japanese guardian lion dog is one of a pair dating back to 16th-17th century Japan, during the Muromachi period. These carved wooden sentinels, once vibrant in color, exude power and majesty as they sit on haunches, this one with a commanding open mouth, the other with resolute closed jaws. Traces of pigments hint at the vivid palette that would have adorned these magnificent creatures. Originally guardians of Shinto shrines, these lion dogs, or komainu, would have been positioned just beyond the doors to the main shrine - home to the deity's spirit - protecting both the outer and inner precincts. —these wooden guardians carry the essence of a bygone era. The creation of lion dogs like these date back to the early Muromachi period in the 15th century, when Japanese art evolved, becoming less religious and more grandiose in scale than the preceding Kamakura era. As you stand in the presence of these formidable lion dogs immerse yourself in the vast history and cultural heritage that these captivating pieces carry. This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel, and was very recently restored.

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood

Made/Created

Artist

Artist unknown

Time Period

16th Century, 17th Century

Place

Country

Japan

Continent

Asia

Dimensions

Height

24 in

Main Tower