Japanese Works of Art - 21 May 2019
244
A PAIR OF JAPANESE BRONZE FIGURES OF GARDIAN DEITIES
A PAIR OF JAPANESE BRONZE FIGURES OF GARDIAN DEITIES, NIO
MEIJI 1868-1912
The Kongorikishi typically depicted with wrathful expressions, Misshaku Kongo with his mouth open and holding the mallet vajra-pani, Naraen Kongo carrying a short staff, both standing on rockwork and wearing flowing skirts with long ribbons, their muscular chests left bare, with highlights cold-painted in red, 55.5cm. (2)
These figures are modelled after Ungyo and Agyo, the two large 13th c. cypress figures of benevolent gardian Kings at Todaiji temple, Nara.
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