Golden Komainu

Second-hand product (only one in stock), good condition, some scratches, lack of paint on the ball.
Material: probably enamelled aluminium
Dimensions: 21.5 cm (height) x 25 cm (length) x 19 cm (width) (8.5 in x 10 in x 7.5 in)
Can't be shipped in small packet, only economy SAL, EMS express or Surface (boat) shipping mode.
Made in Japan

This beautiful golden statue is a Komainu, playing with a Temari ball. 

Komainu is a lion-like creature and usually, it is guarding the entrance of the Shinto Shrines by warding off evil spirits. very often there are two Komainu, one with the mouth open ("a" sound) and the other one with the mouth closed ("um" sound). Together they form "aum", a sacred syllabe in several religions which means the beginning and the end of all things. In the hinduism philosophy it is the original sound, essential from which the universe might have been built.

We can tell the difference between a male or female Komainu. The females have a cub in front of their feet whereas the males have a Temari ball to play with. 

Traditionally, the Temari is a children's toy constructed from the remnants of old Kimono.