Komainu / Shishi Set Inasehagi no Mikoto it is sacred for the

it is sacred for the Japanese

"hoshunotama

You may have seen the Agyo outside some of Japan's famous temples

Kijin Kei masks were used in rituals on New Year's Eve to repel demons and evil spirits from the local shrine or temple

The beard hair is starting to malt

Komainu / Shishi Set Inasehagi no Mikoto it is sacred for theTraditional Japanese Komainu Shishi Set Description The Komainu () and Shishi () are lions who protect both Buddhist and Shinto Shrines. The origins lead back to ancient China. Traditionally paired, male and female, one depicted with their mouth open to scare off demons or closed to shelter and keep in good spirits. Males are depicted with open mouths with a horn on their heads and a paw resting on a sacred wish fulfilling jewel, "hoshunotama,"