A rare pair of antique Japanese Karashishi paintings in a landscape of rocks and peony flowers on gold leaf ground in fine handmade frames, Edo period, early 18th century. The Karashishi (Chinese lion) and Komainu (Korean dog) are thought to have been introduced to Japan in around the 7th and 8th centuries AD. They are the lion-dog temple guardians of both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and have been placed at the entrances or in the eves of shrines and temples to ward off evil spirits since this time. Materials: Ink, pigment and gold leaf on paper. Dimensions (framed): H 198cm x W 121.5cm (each).
