Guardian dog (koma'inu)

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    1185-1333
  • Geography

    Japan
  • Material

    Cypress wood
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 54 x 28.5 x 43 cm (21 1/4 x 11 1/4 x 16 15/16 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1983.7a-c
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1983.7a-c

Object Details

  • Description

    Seated guardian dog with a closed mouth.
  • Label

    Guardian dogs carved of wood customarily are placed in the outer corrider of Shinto shrines to protect the sacred precincts. Like human guardians, one of the pair opens his mouth to cry out a warning. This (F1983.7a-c) dog’s mouth is closed and the other (F1983.6a-c) dog’s mouth is open. Together they form the syllables “a” and “un,” sounds with religious significance that are derived from Sanskrit. The sculptures retain traces of white pigment, which could have been the ground layer for other colors.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    The Way of the Kami (May 11 to November 3, 2019)
    The Historical Buddha and Friends (November 3, 2018 to May 5, 2019)
    Japanese Screens (February 11, 1983 to July 19, 1988)
  • Origin

    Japan
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — funds provided by the James Smithson Society
  • Type

    Sculpture
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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