Keywords: Japanese - Kozuka with Lion Dancers - Walters 51691.jpg The lion dance is usually performed as part of the New Year's celebrations The dancer in front is dressed as a lion The man behind him plays music for the dance on a flute In addition to the man dancing as the lion's head there are others who form the body The second dancer in the lion costume is shown on the reverse of the kozuka The lion dance tradition developed in China from a belief that the dance would protect villages from evil spirits Stylized lions such as this are known as Chinese lions shishi in Japan 18th-19th centuries Edo copper details of gold and shibuichi cm 9 6 l accession number 51 691 3811 Henry Walters Baltimore date and mode of acquisition unknown Walters Art Museum Henry Walters Acquired by Henry Walters none place of origin Japan Walters Art Museum license Kozuka in the Walters Art Museum Media contributed by the Walters Art Museum needs category review Reliefs of dancers on Japanese sword fittings |