13th Jun, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
152
AN IMPRESSIVE PAIR OF POLYCHROME AND GILT-LACQUERED WOOD KOMAINU (KOREAN GUARDIAN DOGS), KAMAKURA TO NANBOKUCHO PERIOD, WITH C14 TEST CONFIRMING THE DATING
€7,500
€15,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
Japan, 13th-14th century, Kamakura period (1192-1333) to Nanbokucho period (1336-1392)
Scientific Analysis Report: The result of a radiocarbon dating test conducted by The Old Stables, East Lockinge, United Kingdom, no. RCD-8160, June 2013, based on one sample taken from one Koma-inu, is consistent with the dating of the present lot.
Each finely carved, seated on its haunches, the head with a fierce expression, mouth ajar showing sharp fangs, a wide nose, and eyes painted in black and gold lacquer behind the inlaid crystal, the face framed by a curly mane painted in vibrant green. One lion with a closed mouth, uttering the syllable ‘um’, the other with the mouth open, uttering the syllable ‘ah’. The original pigments of gold, green, white, and red are magnificently vibrant and well-preserved.
Each SIZE 45 x 46 cm
Condition: Good condition and presenting very well. A few losses and some natural age cracks, expected flaking to lacquer, some tiny touchups.
Provenance: Gregg Baker Gallery, London. Gregg Baker Gallery was established in 1985 specializing in Japanese art including antique Japanese screens, early Buddhist sculpture and classical works of art. They hold regular exhibitions at the gallery and participate in several international art fairs including TEFAF Maastricht, Printemps Asiatique, Civilisations etc.
It is exceptionally rare to find a pair of koma-inu from this period with their original colors and gilding still intact. As the comparisons below illustrate, most surviving examples have suffered significant wear, with only very few traces of their original pigments remaining.
Komainu, literally “Korean dogs,” are lion-like guardian statues commonly placed in pairs at shrine and temple entrances to ward off evil. Believed to have arrived in Japan from China via Korea, their name derives from Koma, the Japanese word for the ancient Korean kingdom of Koguryo.
Stone and bronze lions began appearing as temple decorations during the Nara period (710–794), part of a sculptural lineage rooted in Indian and Chinese Buddhist art. Lions often flank images of the seated Buddha, symbolizing both protection and regal presence.
By the early Heian period (9th century), the two statues were distinct: the right-hand figure, komainu, looked dog-like, with an open mouth (agyou) and sometimes a small horn; the left, shishi, was lion-like with a closed mouth (ungyou). Over time, both came to be called komainu, differing only in their open or closed mouths—a pairing known as a-un.
Literature comparison:
For a closely related pair of komainu held in the collection Shirayama Jinja Ishikawa prefecture see: KAMAKURA The Renaissance of Japanese Sculpture 1185-1333, pl.34.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related pair of carved and painted wood komainu, dated 14th-15th century, Nambokucho to Muromachi period, 60 cm and 53 cm tall, at Christie’s, 15 October 2014, London, lot 5 (sold for GBP 30,000).
Japan, 13th-14th century, Kamakura period (1192-1333) to Nanbokucho period (1336-1392)
Scientific Analysis Report: The result of a radiocarbon dating test conducted by The Old Stables, East Lockinge, United Kingdom, no. RCD-8160, June 2013, based on one sample taken from one Koma-inu, is consistent with the dating of the present lot.
Each finely carved, seated on its haunches, the head with a fierce expression, mouth ajar showing sharp fangs, a wide nose, and eyes painted in black and gold lacquer behind the inlaid crystal, the face framed by a curly mane painted in vibrant green. One lion with a closed mouth, uttering the syllable ‘um’, the other with the mouth open, uttering the syllable ‘ah’. The original pigments of gold, green, white, and red are magnificently vibrant and well-preserved.
Each SIZE 45 x 46 cm
Condition: Good condition and presenting very well. A few losses and some natural age cracks, expected flaking to lacquer, some tiny touchups.
Provenance: Gregg Baker Gallery, London. Gregg Baker Gallery was established in 1985 specializing in Japanese art including antique Japanese screens, early Buddhist sculpture and classical works of art. They hold regular exhibitions at the gallery and participate in several international art fairs including TEFAF Maastricht, Printemps Asiatique, Civilisations etc.
It is exceptionally rare to find a pair of koma-inu from this period with their original colors and gilding still intact. As the comparisons below illustrate, most surviving examples have suffered significant wear, with only very few traces of their original pigments remaining.
Komainu, literally “Korean dogs,” are lion-like guardian statues commonly placed in pairs at shrine and temple entrances to ward off evil. Believed to have arrived in Japan from China via Korea, their name derives from Koma, the Japanese word for the ancient Korean kingdom of Koguryo.
Stone and bronze lions began appearing as temple decorations during the Nara period (710–794), part of a sculptural lineage rooted in Indian and Chinese Buddhist art. Lions often flank images of the seated Buddha, symbolizing both protection and regal presence.
By the early Heian period (9th century), the two statues were distinct: the right-hand figure, komainu, looked dog-like, with an open mouth (agyou) and sometimes a small horn; the left, shishi, was lion-like with a closed mouth (ungyou). Over time, both came to be called komainu, differing only in their open or closed mouths—a pairing known as a-un.
Literature comparison:
For a closely related pair of komainu held in the collection Shirayama Jinja Ishikawa prefecture see: KAMAKURA The Renaissance of Japanese Sculpture 1185-1333, pl.34.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related pair of carved and painted wood komainu, dated 14th-15th century, Nambokucho to Muromachi period, 60 cm and 53 cm tall, at Christie’s, 15 October 2014, London, lot 5 (sold for GBP 30,000).
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Auction: Fine Japanese Art, 13th Jun, 2025
Galerie Zacke is delighted to present Fine Japanese Art, a live auction featuring 600 lots spanning every era of Japan’s rich history.
The first 368 lots are elegantly showcased in our print catalog, curated to highlight Arts of the Samurai, Metalwork, Buddhist Art, Lacquerware, Porcelain, and Paintings & Woodblock Prints. Lots 369 to 600 are in our online catalog, dedicated to okimono, sagemono, and miniature works of art.
All 600 lots will be offered in a single continuous live auction beginning at 10 AM CET on 13 June.
We open with a dynamic selection of bronzes, metalwork, and samurai art. Notable highlights include a rare inlaid iron koro by Myochin Munenori (Lot 48), an impressive Myochin school suit of armor (Lot 108), and a superb tanto by Kunishige (Lot 120).
Our Buddhist Art section features incredible pieces such as a gilt-bronze figure of Jizo Bosatsu (Lot 150) and a large gilt-lacquered wood depiction of Kanzan and Jittoku (Lot 157).
We warmly invite you to explore the full catalog and join us live on 13 June for this exciting event. Learn more.
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