In Japan, Buddhist temples were often guarded by a pair of Fu dogs, the Japanese version of Chinese dog-lion sculptures. Such dogs were believed to be the mounts of Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

In Japan, Buddhist temples were often guarded by a pair of Fu dogs, the Japanese version of Chinese dog-lion sculptures. Such dogs were believed to be the mounts of Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

Unlike Western religious arts designed for churches or shrines, which were often painted on walls or frescoes, or, if they were smaller paintings, on wood panels or canvas, holy images made for Buddhist temples or for private Buddhist worship in homes were frequently painted with colored inks on textiles.

Unlike Western religious arts designed for churches or shrines, which were often painted on walls or frescoes, or, if they were smaller paintings, on wood panels or canvas, holy images made for Buddhist temples or for private Buddhist worship in homes were frequently painted with colored inks on textiles.

New Art was a varient pattern only made in silver pieces. Different flowers appeared on various pieces. This design is very close to the Durgin Iris.