What historical animal sculptures are iconic examples of cedar craftsmanship?

Cedar wood has been a prized material for centuries, producing some of history's most remarkable animal sculptures. Among the most iconic examples are Japan's Shinto shrine carvings, where master craftsmen transformed cedar into majestic guardian lions (komainu) and mythical phoenixes. The Todai-ji Temple's Nara period lion statues stand as enduring testaments to 8th-century cedar craftsmanship. Native American totem poles from the Pacific Northwest feature intricate cedar carvings of bears, eagles, and orcas, telling ancestral stories. Chinese temple architecture boasts elaborate cedar dragon and qilin sculptures, while European medieval cathedrals displayed cedar choir stalls adorned with biblical creatures. These works demonstrate cedar's durability and the artisans' ability to bring wood to life, preserving cultural heritage through their grain and form.