Freer Gallery - Statue of a Ni-o

Kongorikishi (Ni-o), early 14-th century Kamakura period, wood
Musical background: Yuki Theme by Alin Dimitriu
There are two Niō at the Freer Gallery in DC, and for good reason: the gates in the Japanese temples from Kamakura Period (early 14-th century) were guarded by two such statues. Unkei was maybe the greatest artist in those times, and the legend goes that he was not carving the wood; he was just finding the shape of God inside.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• NI-o
• Kamakura Period
• Freer Gallery