Shi Shi / Foo Dogs

Shi Shi / Foo Dog Leg Sleeve Done by Horiyama.
Auckland, New Zealand

Guardian lions, also known as Shi Shi or Foo dogs are mythical creatures seen across many art forms ranging from architecture to tattoos.

The Shi Shi in Buddhism are sacred creatures. They represent peace, and are believed to impart calmness onto anyone who bears their mark. Guardian lions almost always appear in pairs, whether it be in statue or tattoo form, one male and one female. The male has a crystal ball under its paw to represent Buddhist wisdom and the female with a cub which represents protection and nurture. They are placed at the front of the temple to protect the building from harmful evil spirits and people that might be a threat.

As tattoos, they serve as protectors to the wearer and symbolise prosperity, success, and guardianship.

Mythologically, Shi Shi are found near waterfalls where peonies grow. When a ‘king of the beasts’ Shi Shi is combined with a ‘king of the flowers’ Botan (peony) in Japanese tattooing it is called  karashishi-botan.