A pair of Japanese guardian lions, after early 20th-century originals unearthed at Barbara Israel's
childhood home in Far Hills, New Jersey. Lions of this form—properly termed "shishi"—traditionally
stand guard outside the gates of Japanese temples. Male shishi are depicted with their mouths open
(to scare off demons), while females are shown with closed mouths (to shelter and keep the good
spirits). Dimensions: 31" high, 14" wide, 26" deep (front to back).
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