Komainu
Komainu statues strongly resemble Chinese guardian lions and were originally from the Tang dynasty in China. Chinese guardian lions are thought to have been inspired by pelts of Asiatic lions and depictions of lions that were brought through trade from the Middle East or India. The lion was a symbol of strength in those countries. As the symbol traveled along the Silkroad, it changed and took on a unique appearance. The first lion statue in India was made around the 3rd century BC and was placed on top of a column by King Ashoka. Later, this tradition arrived in China where it developed into the guardian lion that was later exported to Korea, Japan, and Okinawa.