Japanese Shrine Dragon

[TimA]

You see these many times in temples and shrines throughout Japan. Usually they are over a stone basin and has water coming out of their mouths that you can then use to clean your hands before entering the main shrine / temple area.

This guy was in one of the many small shrines throughout Matsushima in the Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan.

[FDCPR]

Nice shot, the dragon appears to be climbing the basin to get a drink of water. I would love to visit the area and view this in person.

[Judi]

I wish I was there! Thanks for sharing.

[Fred flyfisher]

Cool shot Tim. I like the lighting on the dragon. Nice image!

[TimA]

That's interesting FDCPR I never saw it like that. Probably because my mind was already set that the dragon was there as a glorified faucet. Another reminder that I can always change the way I look at things to make things more interesting!

Thanks everyone. It was a cloudy, wet day so the light was muted and so I think it worked well for this type of shot as opposed to a very bright and sunny day!

[fstopMike]

Exquisite lighting on that shot, Tim. Well done