Artwork Page for Guardian Figure: Nio

Details / Information for Guardian Figure: Nio

Guardian Figure: Nio

1200s

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185–1333)
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Medium
chestnut and cypress
Measurements
Overall: 167.9 cm (66 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1972.158.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

A pair of guardians usually stands at the entrance of Japanese Buddhist temples. Traditionally, the pair included a closed-mouth figure, one hand displayed as if indicating his potential power, and an open-mouth figure, expelling his full force against evil spirits. Nio figures were usually displayed outdoors, often with just the roof of the entrance gate as protection, and as such were particularly susceptible to weathering.
Grey-brown wood sculpture of a human-like figure, brows furrowed and smooth wood where the mouth would be as they stand leaning onto their right foot. They raise their right hand, fingers slayed and palm out, and place their right fist against their hip. Fabric wraps around their waist. Their chest bare, a rib-cage like pattern juts out from under the pecs. They have a bun on top of their otherwise smooth head.

Guardian Figure: Nio

1200s

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

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