Lion-dog

ca. 12th century

Lion-dogs are mythical creatures placed at the entrance of Shinto shrines to ward off evil. They feature lion-like heads and dog-like bodies and are usually presented as a pair. Here, one is shown with its mouth closed and the other with it open.

Wood

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

35.260.2

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Rabbit, Cat and Horse: Endearing Creatures in Japanese Art, Dec. 21, 2002 - Mar. 16, 2003.

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Deities and Demons: Supernatural in Japanese Art, Oct. 20, 2022 - ongoing.

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