SS Empress of Japan Figurehead

From ornate ship figureheads and ancient stone statues to colorful parade floats and temple ceilings, Japanese dragon art honors these mystical creatures of protection, strength and good luck.

This replica of the figurehead of the S.S. Empress of Japan overlooks the water in British Columbia’s Stanley Park. The original figurehead guarded the vessel from 1891-1926 through its years as a cruise ship and armed merchant ship during World War I. The serpent-like dragon mounted on the ship’s bow is one of the four divine beasts of Japanese mythology.