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Ancient Japanese stone gate with Shishi Lion Guardians
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Ancient Japanese stone gate with Shishi Lion Guardians
A Japanese family visit an ancient Japanese site and walk under an ornate stone gateway, flanked by a pair of Shishi Lions - classical Shrine and Temple Guardians (exact location unknown). Date: circa 1950s
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Media ID 14307929
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Beneath Gateway Guardian Guardians Lion Lions Statues Torii Underneath Visiting
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a moment in time as a Japanese family makes their way under an ornate ancient stone gateway, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of a bygone era. The gate, known as a torii in Japanese, serves as a threshold to the sacred space beyond, marking the boundary between the mundane world and the spiritual realm. Flanking the gateway are a pair of Shishi Lions, powerful guardian statues that have protected Japanese shrines and temples for centuries. The Shishi Lions, also known as "lion-dogs," are a common sight at the entrances of Japanese religious sites. Their fierce appearance, with open mouths and curled manes, is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The lions' bodies are often adorned with intricate carvings and patterns, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Japan's ancient past. The exact location of this ancient site is unknown, but the photograph transports us back to the 1950s, a time when Japan's history and traditions were still deeply rooted in everyday life. The family's presence beneath the gateway adds a sense of scale and human connection to the scene, inviting us to imagine the stories and experiences that unfolded here long before their visit. This photograph is a testament to the enduring allure of Japan's ancient sites and the powerful connection between the past and the present. It serves as a reminder that history is not just something to be read about in books, but a living, breathing part of our world that can be felt and experienced in the present moment.
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