Komainu (狛犬), or "lion-dogs," are pairs of mythical, guardian statues found at the entrances of Japanese Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to ward off evil spirits. Typically made of stone or bronze, they feature one figure with an open mouth (Agyo) and one with a closed mouth (Ungyo), symbolizing the breath of life, "a-un" (alpha and omega), and duality.
