JAPANESE ARCHITECTURAL TEMPLE BRACE

Japanese kaerumata, a decorative brace from between exterior exposed beams which wrap around a traditional temple building. The weathered sugi, (cryptomeria) wood brace with a carving of a karashishi, lion dog, among peony (butan) flowers. The karashishi is a protective mythical beast brought to Japan with Buddhism from China. This religious association making it a particularly appropriate carving for a Buddhist temple. Edo Period, 18th 19th century. Dimensions: 8" high (10.5" high on wood stand) x 25" wide