Prefectural Preservation of Cultural Property
These pair of guardian dogs were enshrined together with the standing statues of Zao Gongen at Nageiredo Hall.
The guardian dog with its mouth open is “Agyo” and the one with its mouth closed is called “Ungyo”.
The majestic and robust appearance of both dogs, with front paws firmly planted and chests puffed out, presumes that they were made in Kamakura Period. Two pieces of wood were used for the front and back sides of each dog. The two pieces of wood are joined at the center. Agyo is 81cm tall and Ungyo is 82cm.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.