Statue of Guardian Lion-Dog

In front of the Mitchōdai (Imperial canopy) of the Seiryōden, a pair of statues—a shishi (lion) and a komainu (guardian lion-dog)—are placed. Since the Heian period, it has been customary to position them in front of the Imperial canopy. These are wooden statues, approximately 50 cm tall and painted in color. The shishi, with its mouth open, stands on the right when facing them, while the komainu, distinguished by a horn, is on the left.