Komainu — Un-gyo

Komainu — Un-gyo is a compact guardian-dog figure carved in hinoki, modeled with a single horn and a firmly closed mouth in the “un” form.

The upward-tilted face, tight lips, and lightly shown fangs give it a watchful presence that feels calm rather than severe—an attentive threshold guardian in a small, finely finished scale.

About this piece

This piece is made from hinoki wood, shaped as a small sculptural figure with crisp facial definition and a smooth, clean finish. The design follows a Kamakura-period komainu masterpiece designated as a National Treasure, traditionally attributed to Tankei (son of Unkei) or his workshop; this model preserves the characteristic upward gaze, closed mouth, and restrained expression associated with that lineage. The un-gyo type exists as one half of the paired komainu tradition—created to stand with its open-mouthed counterpart at entrances—so this closed-mouth form is made as a complementary guardian figure within that established sculptural convention.

Cultural note

In Japan, komainu are guardian figures most commonly seen in pairs at the approaches to Shinto shrines and sometimes at temple precincts, where they stand at boundaries and are regarded as protectors of the sacred space. The pair is often understood through the “a–un” contrast (open and closed mouth), a familiar way of expressing completeness and the balance of beginning and end. When kept in a home or private setting, they are generally approached with a quiet, respectful mindset—placed thoughtfully, kept clean, and handled with care rather than treated as casual décor.

Details

• Size: 96(H) × 54(W) × 83(D) mm; Weight: 92 g
• Material: Hinoki (Japanese cypress)
• Origin: Made in China

Placement & care

• Place on a stable shelf or cabinet where it won’t be easily bumped or knocked over.
• If displaying as a pair, position it with its counterpart in a balanced, symmetrical way.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and high humidity to help preserve the wood’s condition.
• Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water, oils, or chemical cleaners.

Shipping timeline

• Ships within 2–3 business days.