Wooden Lion Head Craft, Red and Brown Design, with Wooden Box *This is a very old item with a long history. It is sold as-is, so there may be oversights in the description. Please understand this, ask questions, and carefully examine the images before bidding. Thank you. Origin of Kaga Lion Heads Kaga lion heads are said to originate from 1583 (Tensho 11), when the common people performed a welcoming lion dance to celebrate the entry of the founding lord, Toshiie Maeda, into Kanazawa Castle. The successive lords encouraged this tradition, and its splendor became unparalleled in the country. Because lions are believed to subdue all things with a single roar and ward off disaster, they are displayed not only as New Year's and festival decorations but also in rooms and at entrances as talismans against evil and misfortune. They are cherished throughout the year as auspicious ornaments, serving as guardians of the home and its inhabitants, and are indispensable for celebrations such as first festivals, weddings, births, and new homes. Furthermore, when a child is born, the lion head is sometimes displayed as a guardian spirit for that child, as it is associated with success and advancement.