Antique sculpture "Fo Dog." Porcelain, hand-painted with enamel paints. The markings consist of several parts: Kutani - "九谷," kiln - "八幡窯," artist Suie Yoshinaga "須栄義." Japan, late 19th - early 20th century.

In China, these mythical creatures are called Fo Dogs (Fu) or Fo Lions (Fu), and in Japan they are known as Komainu. Legend has it that Fo dogs were Buddha's companions: when the spiritual teacher was not in danger, they were no larger than a dog, but when threatened, they transformed into large lions taller than a man. The first sculptures of Fo dogs in Japan date back to the 6th century. The concept of the image itself came to the island from mainland China via Korea, so the appearance of these mythical creatures underwent some changes. In Japan, Komainu are often seen at the gates of temples and palaces, often depicted in pairs, but small interior sculptures are more often found alone.