Offering from my collection. This is a lion-dog head, known as a Gongen-sama, a sacred object. Gongen-sama are deities enshrined in shrines and temples as incarnations of gods and Buddhas, found throughout Japan. During festivals, the person leading the procession carries the Gongen-sama and clacks its upper and lower jaws together to ward off evil. Both are lion-dog heads from the mid to late Edo period. 1. Center lion-dog head (around mid-Edo period) → Origin unknown. This is a very rare lion-dog head with thick metal plates embedded in both eyes. Lion-dog heads with thin metal attached to the pupils can also be seen in the Utsu-jishi used in the Ise Kagura, but I have never seen a Gongen-sama with such thick metal embedded. Perhaps it was something that a group engaged in iron manufacturing enshrined as a blacksmithing god like Kanayago-shin. The lower jaw is missing, but it is a rather interesting lion-dog head. 2. Rightmost lion-dog head (late Edo period) → This is a Gongen-sama made around Echigo (Niigata). As you can see from the photo, it has a rather unique appearance. I believe it was carved by someone who was not accustomed to making Gongen-sama, though they did so with care. The craftsmanship itself is very careful, and despite its awkwardness, it is a good lion-dog head that exudes the maker's faith. Due to its age, there are corresponding scratches and stains overall. Please examine the photos carefully and purchase with the understanding that no claims or returns are accepted.