It was in the area surrounding Shuri Castle that the lion figure took root in Okinawa. It is believed that the aristocrats were the first to adopt it since most of the old lion figures are found around Shuri, where the king's palace was located. Old lion-dogs in Shuri, the capital of the kingdom, are as follows.

Stone Urn in Urasoe Youdore, the Royal Tomb Eiso imperial mausoleum King Eiso (1260~1299) or King Shoushin (1477~1526) ? Sueyoshi-goo Shrine Unknown. Sueyoshi-goo Shrine was built around 1454-1460. Shuri Castle's Zuisenmon Gate Unknown. Zuisenmon Gate was built around 1470. Kankaimon Gate at Shuri Castle Unknown. Kankaimon Gate was built around 1477-1526. Buddhist altar panel, Enkakuji Temple Unknown. Enkakuji Temple was built in 1492. Orokubo Tomb Unknown. Tomb was built around 1494. Houseibashi Bridge, Enkakuji Temple Constructed in 1498 Tamaudun It was presumably constructed in 1501 Urasoe Youdore King Shounei Mausoleum It was presumably constructed in 1620 Shuri Castle Roof Estimated 1671, when the roof was changed to tile from shingle. Azumaen Ochaya Palace Unknown. Azumaen was built in 1677.

As a matter of interest, there are two trains of thought concerning the year in which the stone tomb inside King Eiso's mausoleum was constructed. One holds that it was made during King Eiso's reign; the other maintains that it was built by King Shoushin, judging from the quality of materials, technique and other factors. If the tomb is as old as the mausoleum, it would have been produced in the 13th century, which means it would be the oldest lion-dog in Okinawa. At present, the lion-dog on Houseibashi Bridge, constructed in 1498 at Enkakuji Temple, is believed to be the oldest on record in Okinawa. The lion-dog would have initially been introduced to Okinawa for the purpose of symbolizing the king's power and protecting the souls of the royal family.

Urasoe Youdore		Sueyoshi-goo Shrine		Orokubo Tomb

Houseibashi Bridge at Enkakuji		Tamaudun		The old Shuri Castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom

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