Afew days ago I showed the photo of a shrine lion, the symbol of the Buddha, or his teachings anyways. Here is another shrine lion (獅子 / shishi), along with an elephant. Unlikely friends, eh?
The elephant represents the spread of Buddhism. In India back in the day, elephants were the main way to get around, therefore they are used to represent the spreading of the Buddha’s teaching.
I took this at a tiny Shinto shrine outside of a zen temple (→this one). Seems weird, right? Why Buddhist stuff on a Shinto building?
It’s a long story, but basically sometime after Buddhism was introduced in Japan, it completely took over as the main religion and more or less absorbed Shinto. At this time, shishi started showing up at Shinto Shrines to show that they were being protected by the teachings of Buddhism.
The two religions are officially separate these days, but the signs from when they were one and the same remain.
Thanks for reading! ~David LaSpina
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One looks like it’s just crazy in a happy way, and the other looks like it’s about to shoot some kind of laser beam out of its eyes. Nice shot!
I know what you mean. And as to “shooting a laser beam”, at time these statues always remind me of the sphinx statues in “The NeverEnding Story”. Only one who fees his own true worth can pass!
Love how you’ve preserved the texture in the lion & elephant. Masterful selective focus to create a beautiful 3D image. Makes me want to learn more about this pair!
Thanks, Barbara! There is a lot to learn. The religious history in this country is very fascinating.
I love the details in the wood! And thank you for the background information, I always enjoy it!
Glad to hear you enjoy it. Thanks!
Really cool. Always loved their art style.
Thanks for the comment!
Beautiful woodwork.
Agreed. I wonder if there are apprentices these days learning how to do this or if it’s a fading art.
It’s cool how they were together for a while. never would have known that, I have learned alot from you thank you.
Glad to hear that! The history behind this stuff is usually very interesting to me.