Shisa of Okinawa

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.

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.

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

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