Japanese vintage dolls pair of porcelain From Shinto shrine Lions Komainu, with Kanji 奉納dedication white lion ornament 1920s H4.1×3×1.9in order

Japanese vintage dolls pair of porcelain From Shinto shrine Lions Komainu, with Kanji 奉納dedication white lion ornament 1920s H4.1×3×1.9in.

These are guardian deities called 狛犬komainu, which are displayed at shrines in Japan. Their real origin is in the placement of two lions in front of a statue of Buddha, and that is where the shape of the komainu came from. Buddhism was introduced to Japan from India through China and Korea. It is said that the name "Korai Inu" in Korea was changed to "komainu" in Japan.
Interestingly, in Japan, the original Shintoism and Buddhism have coexisted in a mixed state.

Another interesting point is that one of them always has its mouth open and one of them has its mouth closed. This is called "A-Un. The word "A-Un" is derived from Sanskrit and is said to represent the universe from its beginning to its end.

The words are written on the front, one by one, as a dedication. Until the Taisho era order (1912-1926), the words were written horizontally, from right to left.
There are cracks and unevenness in the glaze from the firing process. There are no cracks and it is in good condition.

□ Size: H 4.1in × W 3in × D 1.9in （about H10.5cm×W7.7cm×D4.8cm ）
□ Weight : 3.8oz (108g) ×2
□ Material : porcelain

condition...
It is in good condition, but there are small scratches and dirt due to aging.There are cracks on the side of the hole when baking the pottery, but there is no problem in using it.
*********************************************************************************************
We ship free to US and most of addresses in Europe.
Additional shipping fee is required to other addresses.
Combined shipping is available for purchase two and more items.
Please contact in detail before ordering to avoid several payment transactions.
*********************************************************************************************

I list antiques that sometimes have chips, rubbings and cracks
as they are very old antiques so please check the images and understand the current
condition before buying.

For more my other items,
https://www.etsy.com/jp/shop/WabiSabiAntiques?ref=hdr_user_menu-shop