The shishi was most likely introduced to Japan from China via Korea in the 7th or 8th century AD. The Japanese shishi combines both elements of the Koma-Inu (Korean dog) and the Kara-shishi (Chinese lion). The statues were placed on either side of the entrance to a shrine or temple to ward off evil spirits. In the early Heian period both statues were clearly distinguishable. The one that sat on the left was called Shishi (lion) with it’s mouth open, and the one sitting to the right was Koma-inu which more resembled a dog with it’s mouth closed. Earlier depictions of Koma-inu had a single horn atop it’s head. Eventually the horn was no longer included in the depictions and the term Koma-Inu was used for both statues. At that point, other than the mouths being either opened or closed, the shape of the figures were nearly identical.  Today, the term Shishi is most commonly used in reference to both Kara-Shishi and Koma-Inu.

In China, the lion is considered the master of all felines. A symbol of power and success, royalty and strength. In Korea the skin of the Koma-inu’s head is said to be stronger than that of a helmet. In Japan, the shishi protects the entrance to shrines, temples and sometimes tombs. It is said the shishi is sometimes tattooed on a woman’s belly to protect her during childbirth. Buddhist deities are sometimes seen riding atop the shishi, such as Monju Bosatsu. Shishi are also considered the messenger of the Bodhisattva of wisdom, Monju. They are considered a Buddhist symbol of power and protection.

You will almost always see the Shishi being paired with botan (peonies). In ancient China, the botan was considered “Queen of the flowers” and the Shishi was considered the “King of animals”. Together they are considered to be fitting companions. Another story linking the botan and Shishi is that of a Japanese monk who set out on a journey seeking knowledge. He traveled to Wutaishan (Mt. Wutai) the home of the Bodhisattva of wisdom, Monju. When the monk was about to cross a narrow bridge he was approached by a youth carrying firewood. the youth warned the monk to not move forward as the land beyond is infested with lions that would devour him if he was not protected by a spiritual power. As the monk paused to ponder the words of the youth, the area suddenly was filled with a wonderful fragrance and the air around him rang with beautiful music. The youth revealed his true self as the Bodhisattva Monju, and a Shishi emerged form the forest and danced around a growing peony.