Two wood figures of a pair of Niô. 18th/19th century - image-1

Lot 37 Dα

Two wood figures of a pair of Niô. 18th/19th century

Auction 1157 - overview Cologne
27.06.2020, 11:00 - Asian Art
Estimate: 15.000 € - 20.000 €
Result: 18.750 € (incl. premium)
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Two wood figures of a pair of Niô. 18th/19th century

Both standing astride with a bare muscular chest adorned with jewellery, wearing a knee-long skirt, and surrounded by a billowing shawl, the hair tied into a chignon, the hands in a gesture of fending off, Kongô Rikishi (aka Naraen Kongô) with an open mouth calling out the syllable ah (agyô) and holding a long vajra, the other, Misshaku Rikishi, with lips pressed together humming the syllable hum (ungyô) and holding a club. Each standing on a flat base. Remains of a white gesso undercoating and traces of pigment. (2)
Height 115.6 cm

The "Two Kings" (Niô), aka Kongô Rikishi, in the fierce posture of warding off an unseen enemy are Buddhist temple guardians placed behind a wooden fence in the enclosures to both sides of the main temple gate. To the worshippers and pilgrims they symbolise good health and physical strength. In the Edo period they were especially worshipped by postal couriers who offered their worn sandals by tying them to the fence.

Provenance

Private collection, Southern Germany