Kubagasaya: Okinawan Shisa

Pair of Okinawa Shisa Guardian Dogs by Kubagasaya

Okinawan Shisa are a traditional Ryukyuan cultural folk artefacts. They are said to have originated from the Sphinx in Egypt that travelled to China via the Silk Road during the Age of Discovery in the Ryukyu kingdom in the 14th/15th centuries. The shisa are believed to protect the home and ward off evil spirits and later spread as a talisman throughout the Islands of Okinawa. 

The shisa are almost always found in pairs. One with their mouth open; the male who sits on the right. He wards off evil spirits and invites happiness.  One with the mouth closed; the female who sits on the left, keeps good spirits from leaving and prevents happiness from escaping. These Shisa are often found at the entrance ways or on rooftops of homes and businesses.

• made in japan 
• Size: approx 7.5cm height | 6cm length | 5cm width
• made from stone & sand hardened with resin