Koma Inu (1185-1333 CE)

The “Koma-inu”, or Guardian Lion-Dog, is an intricately carved wooden figure from Japan’s Kamakura period (1185-1333). Standing at 49.6 cm or 19 1/2 inches tall, this artifact resides in the Cleveland Museum of Art. These figures, often placed at the entrance of shrines and temples, were designed to ward off evil spirits, reflecting a profound blend of cultural, religious, and artistic significance.

The Koma-inu originated from the tradition of placing guardian figures at temple entrances to repel evil spirits. Their design is heavily influenced by similar figures in China, where guardian lions were a common protective symbol, and Korea, from where these motifs traveled to Japan. During the Nara period (710–794), the paired lions began appearing indoors, made primarily of wood. By the Heian period (794–1185), the tradition evolved, and the figures were more distinctly identified as a lion with an open mouth and a dog with a closed mouth, reflecting their Korean roots. The practice of placing them outdoors at the entrances of shrines and temples began around the 14th century, transitioning to stone carvings to withstand Japan’s rainy weather.

A unique pair of Koma-inu is painted on the front walls of the honden (inner sanctuary) at the Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine, representing a rare example of this motif in painted form rather than as sculpted statues. This attests to the flexibility in the depiction of these figures throughout history, as well as their unique role in various contexts.

Koma-inu are symbolic guardians in Japanese culture, acting as protectors against evil. They represent a fusion of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, where they are found guarding the entrances to both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The pairing of the two figures, with one open-mouthed (a-gyō, representing the sound “a”) and one closed-mouthed (un-gyō, representing the sound “un”), embodies the cosmic syllable “a-un,” similar to the Sanskrit “om.” This symbolizes the beginning and end of all things, comparable to the Western concept of alpha and omega. Their presence underscores the integration of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultural and religious motifs.

This Koma-inu statue from the Cleveland Museum of Art is made of wood, with traces of its original polychromy, indicating that it was once vividly painted. The figure stands at a height of 49.6 cm (19 1/2 inches). Originally, Koma-inu figures were crafted from wood or metal for indoor use but transitioned to stone carvings for outdoor placement in response to environmental conditions.

The Koma-inu figures have a complex provenance, originating in India, where lion motifs were associated with strength and protection. Through the Silk Road, the symbolism spread to China, where the figures evolved into guardian lions, and then to Korea and Japan, where the distinct Koma-inu forms developed. The Koma-inu at the Cleveland Museum of Art reflects this long history of cultural exchange and adaptation.