A pair of Japanese vase table lamps. Hand painted with a pair of Komainu guardian lions used to protect against evil spirits. One has an open mouth and the other closed. The open mouth represents the "a" sound, and the closed mouth represents the "um" sound, together they symbolize the beginning and end of all things. The pair also represent yin and yang, the balance of the universe. The lions are painted against a Seigaiha geometric pattern.