- Foo dogs 🐕 -

🐾 Karajishi & Botan: a legendary duo in Japanese tattooing

Karajishi, often called shishi or foo dogs in the West, are mythical lions from ancient China. Protectors par excellence, they ward off evil spirits and disease, and symbolize strength, success, and protection. Considered the kings of animals, they can be found everywhere in Japan: Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, wood or stone sculptures, paintings, prints, textiles... and of course, in irezumi (Japanese tattooing).

A frequent companion of the shishi is the botan, or peony. Also originating in China, it is known as the queen of flowers. It represents longevity, prosperity, and good fortune. When the guardian lion and the peony are combined—the famous karajishi to botan—a powerful and harmonious symbol is created: the protective strength of the lion united with the elegance and abundance of the peony.

In short

The shishi protects, the botan elevates—together, they form one of the most iconic and majestic emblems of Japanese tattooing.

Fun fact

Legend has it that the shishi, although very brave and strong, has one weakness: it fears bee stings.

When a shishi is surrounded by peonies, it becomes invulnerable! This is because bees are attracted to the irresistible scent of the flowers.

Sylvain