The Japanese call these mythical beasts “Korean Lions” but the origin of this pairing of guardian animals is more likely Chinese. There is a tradition that the beast with the open mouth is saying “Ah” while the one with the closed mouth is saying “Mm.” These sounds represent the beginning and end of all things because they are the first and last letters of the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit. So these Korean lions lived in Japan, but their ancestors were Chinese, and they’re speaking an Indian language. All of this reminds us of how inter-connected Asian cultures were even in a very early period. For this and other stories of international exchange in Asia, check out the new Arts of Asia galleries.
Posted by Joan Cummins Koma-Inu (Mouth Closed); One of Pair, early 13th century. Hinoki (cypress wood) with traces of polychrome. Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Milton F. Rosenthal and Dr. and Mrs. Robert Feinberg, A. Augustus Healy Fund, Frank L. Babbott Fund, and Designated Purchase Fund, 85.171.2. Creative Commons-BY
