Komainu 狛犬（こまいぬ）｜Sawada Seiko 澤田政廣（さわだせいこう） This papier-mâché komainu sculpture is a work by Sawada Seiko, a distinguished Japanese sculptor awarded the Order of Culture Created using the traditional hariko technique, layers of washi paper are applied to a wooden mold, dried, removed, and then shaped and painted Hariko has been practiced in Japan since the 15th century and is recognized as a traditional Japanese art form rooted in folk belief and craftsmanship Hariko dog figures modeled after komainu have long symbolized protection, warding off evil, and the prevention of misfortune An inscription on the reverse of the paulownia wood box reads “Showa Kinoe-Inu Gantan,” indicating that this work was created for New Year’s Day in 1934 The artist’s signature is present on both the storage box and the underside of the sculpture, confirming its authenticity This piece reflects the fusion of folk tradition and sculptural sensibility and represents an early hariko work by Sawada Seiko --- Artist Profile 1894 Born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan 1926 Graduated from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo Fine Arts School 1979 Awarded the Order of Culture 1988 Died --- Accessories Original wooden storage box tomobako included --- Dimensions & Weight Height 15 cm Depth 15 cm Width 24 cm Weight 152 g Box size 18 × 27.5 × 20 cm --- Technique & Condition Material Paper Technique Sculpture Good condition with signs of age appropriate to the period --- Shipping Shipping via Japan Post EMS from Japan Items are shipped only to countries where EMS delivery from Japan is available Items are securely packed to ensure safe international delivery Import duties, VAT, and customs handling fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer For bidders in the United States Please note that Japan Post is currently not accepting EMS shipments of commercial goods to the United States If the winning bidder’s shipping address is in the United States, the item will be shipped via DHL Express instead Please be aware that shipping costs via DHL are significantly higher than EMS rates