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Early Japanese Sculpture of Koma-Inu (Korean Dog)

A rare 14th century Japanese lacquered wood figure of a seated shishi dog (koma-inu) of assembled wood-block construction with four iron staples, strongly carved with ferocious facial features and rich mane markings above the body with raised tail; showing traces of black and red lacquer. Koma-Inu functioned as protectors of Shinto Shrines. Kamakura period.