Sunday, June 15, 2014

Shisa of Okinawa


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If there is one icon for Okinawa, it must be the Shisa. They can be seen everywhere, usually in pairs, on roofs, flanking gateways etc.

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Like their relatives in mainland Japan, the komainu, shisa are a variation on Chinese guardian lions, often the pairing having one open mouthed, one closed, one female, one male.

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Of course, what fascinates me, is the great diversity of styles that have developed, especially in the area of "folk" art.

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So this is the first of many posts on the subject :)

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1 comment:

  1. Great pics as always. Just hope I'll get the opportunity to visit Okinawa myself sooner or later.

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