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Nio Guardian Figures



Key Ideas:

Nio Guardian Figures
Nio Guardian Figures
About 1360
Cypress wood with traces of lacquer
Gift of the Regis Corporation

Key Ideas
Story
Background
Discussion Questions
Japan
  • The Japanese story of Kongorikishi (congo-ree-kaw-she) is about the use of physical force to defend the Buddha and his worshipers against evil.

  • The warrior rulers of 14th-century Japan valued bravery, honor, and strength.

  • The enormous size and energetic poses of these Nio (NEE-oh) guardian sculptures made them imposing forces outside the gates of a Buddhist temple complex.
Key Ideas Story Background Discussion Questions
 
 

 

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