The komainu are among the most iconic motifs in Japanese Buddhist sculpture, typically represented as a pair consisting of a lion and a horned dog. The lion is shown with an open mouth and a flowing mane, while the horned dog has a closed mouth. The origin of the komainu statues is believed to have been influenced by the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, drawing from traditions where guardian lions were placed at tombs for protection. Over time, these statues became widely installed at the entrances to temples and shrines. From the Heian period, the komainu evolved into a paired iconographic form, and by the mid-Kamakura period in the late 13th century, their defining features were firmly established. This particular pair exemplifies the Kamakura period’s characteristic emphasis on realism and vitality, with distinct lifelike expressions. Notably, their eyes are set with inlaid crystal, which enhances the intense, almost piercing gaze of the figures. An inscription on the base of the sculpture is rare among komainu and provides valuable information: it includes the year of creation, “the second year of Showa (1315),” and the name of the craftsman, “Choyu,” offering insight into its historical context and maker.