2. A-gyo and Un-gyo

At shrines and temples you often see a pair of Shishi (foodog), one is with mouth open the other with mouth shut. This rule is not only for Shishi but also for gate keepers, dragons, tigers… Many pairs have mouth open and shut.

Karajishi in Un-gyo below the pent roof

Karajishi in A-gyo below the pent roof

This is originally from Ommyo-do (Japanese Yin Yang, based on Taoist theory and mixed with Shinto and Buddhism).

Oni mask in Un-gyo on top of the roof

Oni mask in A-gyo on top of the roof

Opened mouth is called A-gyo (pronounced ahh-gyō), means “the beginning”.
Closed mouth is called Un-gyo, means “the end”.

Dragon in Un-gyo of the beam

Dragon in A-gyo of the beam

If you put a dragon with mouth open on your one side you need to put another one with mouth shut on the other side. This is one of the traditional ways of Japanese tattoos.

Rikijin (power god) in Un-gyo on the beam

Rikijin (power god) in A-gyo on the beam

Gate keepers in A and Un at the gate

by Tattooist Ryugen