Lions and Cats of Naha
January 11, 2012
In Naha and other parts of Okinawa, it is literally impossible not to notice shisa statues on practically any and every flat surface. At first I was resistant to photographing them, probably because if I wanted to capture them all I’d have to give up before I even started. But soon the sheer variety of expressions, colours and shapes of each and every statue won me over completely. Here are some of my favourite lion/dog guardian beasts from around Naha.
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(Oh, and — missing my own cats as I do — I couldn’t resist stalking a few of their Japanese cousins going about their daily business, i.e. sleeping and otherwise ignoring me).
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I think local people must really love them, and the vibrant pottery and ceramics industry gives them a lot of choice. I like the notion of a mythological guardian spirit, too.
Great post, and I LOVE the slideshow and its subject(s)!
That love heart one is really something.
Agreed, and I got the impression the local police were used to people just wandering up and posing with it :)