Komainu Hoodie, Lion-Dog Guardian Ukiyo-e Yokai Pullover

Komainu (狛犬) are the lion-dog guardians that sit in pairs at the entrance of Shinto shrines all over Japan. Their image came from the guardian lions of China and Korea, and over the centuries they became the protectors of sacred ground, warding off evil spirits and anything impure that might try to enter.Each pair usually follows the a-un rule: one guardian has its mouth open to say "a", the first sound, and the other keeps it closed for "un", the last. Together they stand for the beginning and the end of all things.This design shows a white komainu with a curling blue-grey mane and red markings, a sacred shimenawa rope with golden bells and paper streamers around its neck, seated on a mossy rock under a red sun and autumn maple leaves, drawn in the style of an Edo-period woodblock print (ukiyo-e) with its name in kanji. Premium unisex pullover hoodie 80% cotton, 20% polyester fleece, 8.25 oz/yd² (about 280 g/m²) Three-panel hood with fleece lining, kangaroo pocket, dyed-to-match drawcords with metal grommets Double-needle topstitching on all seams Large back print, about 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 in), nothing printed on the front Unisex fit: if you prefer a closer fit, women may want to choose one size down Printed on demand in North America Part of our Yokai collection, inspired by the spirits and creatures of Japanese folklore.