Japanese Works of Art - 21st May 2019
Lot 244
A PAIR OF JAPANESE BRONZE FIGURES OF GARDIAN DEITIES
Estimate £1,000 - £2,000 | Hammer £1400
+ Buyers Premium
Description
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.