Mask of Kongorishiki Nio, Japan, Early 20th Century
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Directory: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Wood: Pre 1930: Item # 1464851
Directory: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Wood: Pre 1930: Item # 1464851
Please refer to our stock # 1-1316 when inquiring.
AfricAsia Primitive and Antiques
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120 Impasse de La Borie
81170 Livers Cazelles, FRANCE
(0033) 6 32 63 98 15
Guest Book
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120 Impasse de La Borie
81170 Livers Cazelles, FRANCE
(0033) 6 32 63 98 15
Guest Book
€450.00
RESERVED
Mask representing the face of a Kongorishiki-Nyo, with a fierce exprssion and open mouth. Wood, eyes made of glass. Inscription at the back. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 26 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Slight abrasion, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: Kongorishiki was the first heavenly king, called Nio. The Nio were originally hindu gods in India, who were adopted by the Japanese into the Buddhist pantheon. The Nio, also called Kongo, came to be considered aggressive guardian deities. Early in the Japanese Buddhist tradition, they were depicted in the form of large statues at the entrance of Buddhist temples. They are generally called Nio guardian figures and can still be seen on both sides of the entrance of famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto and Nara in Japan.
Mask representing the face of a Kongorishiki-Nyo, with a fierce exprssion and open mouth. Wood, eyes made of glass. Inscription at the back. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 26 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Slight abrasion, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: Kongorishiki was the first heavenly king, called Nio. The Nio were originally hindu gods in India, who were adopted by the Japanese into the Buddhist pantheon. The Nio, also called Kongo, came to be considered aggressive guardian deities. Early in the Japanese Buddhist tradition, they were depicted in the form of large statues at the entrance of Buddhist temples. They are generally called Nio guardian figures and can still be seen on both sides of the entrance of famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto and Nara in Japan.
