Lion/ Fu Dog
Source: jensschnettler; @jensschnettler
The Japanese Foo Dog or Lion is halfway between a lion and a dog because of its pointed ears. It symbolises protection, strength and courage. Its statues were placed at the entrances of houses to keep evil out. These tattoos often represent a brave person with heroic aspirations.
The Asian Foo Dog is also known as the "Lion of Buddha" although it has nothing to do with Buddhism.
In Japan, some religions use the Lion to ward off evil spirits and attract health and wealth. Regardless of the origin, its meaning does not vary much. The story goes that when lions are cubs, their mothers throw them off cliffs so that only the strongest survive.
Very often lion tattoos have a paw up or down in attack position as protection for the wearer.
The local Shinto religion of Japan, which predates Buddhism, also has a Lion as a protective figure with a redhead, which drives away evil spirits and attracts health and wealth.
The Foo dog on the right is typically considered to be male, with an open mouth (for evil), one front paw on a sphere, which is often carved as an open lattice and represents heaven and the whole of Buddhist law.
The left is the female, mouth closed (to prevent evil out), paw rests on a small cub, usually shown upside down on its back, representing the earth. Often in tattoo Lion Foo tattoo menacingly, drags up or down an arm or leg in the protection of the wearer and aspiration of heroic ability and mind.
With its pointed ears and mane of curly but wispy hair, it is certainly a resemblance to dogs. More likely, it is that resemblance that has caused widespread confusion about these animals, also known as Chinese lions and even Lion dogs.
But the resemblance is accidental and because virtually all knowledge of the real lions was second-hand to the Asian artists who initially created them. Their knowledge was second-hand because, although dogs abound the world over, lions have never been native to the Orient.
Japanese Lion design has a pointed triangular shape and looks both Lion or komainu, the guardian dogs of shrines. This is a symbol of strength and power. Also, it's used for protection. Those who have the desire to be a hero tend to choose this design.
