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Guardian Figure: Nio
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Paired with a closed-mouth Nio, this figure originally protected the entrance of a Buddhist temple in Japan. Sculpted in an expressive, dynamic style, this figure was created using several pieces of wood carefully joined together. This imposing figure was originally painted, though is substantially faded due to weathering. The carved wooden bases for the two guardian figures on display are modern replacements.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineGuardian Figure: Nio, 1200s. Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333). Chestnut and cypress; overall: 167.9 cm (66 1/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund, 1972.158.1
