lion mask
Refers to the stylized lion mask used in traditional Japanese performing arts such as shishimai (lion dance).
Dance wearing a lion mask.
Japanese deer fern
A species of fern (Blechnum nipponicum). Usually written in kana.
The Japanese deer fern grows in moist mountainous areas.
Standard kanji spelling for the lion mask sense.
Katakana spelling is common for the fern sense; usually written in kana.
Compound of 獅子 (shishi, 'lion') and 頭 (kashira, 'head'), referring to the lion mask. The fern name likely derives from the resemblance of its fronds to a lion's mane, but the exact origin is uncertain.