Guardian Figure Nio: II (1185-1333 CE)

The “Guardian Figure Nio: II” is a sculpted wooden figure from the Kamakura period (1185-1333), originating in Japan and currently housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Standing at 167.9 cm tall, this imposing figure, made of chestnut and cypress, is one of a pair of wrathful deities known as Nio, traditionally placed at the entrance of Buddhist temples to protect against evil. Sculpted with dynamic expression, this particular Nio statue exemplifies the craftsmanship of its era and the spiritual significance of these guardians in East Asian Buddhism.

This Nio figure, dating from the 1200s, was created during the Kamakura period, a time of political and social upheaval in Japan. Nio guardians were typically placed at the gates of Buddhist temples, acting as protectors of the sacred space within. This figure, paired with another with a closed mouth, represents one of the dual aspects of protection in Buddhist belief. The Nio statues are said to derive from the figure Vajrapani, a bodhisattva charged with protecting the Buddha during his lifetime. The statues were originally painted, though centuries of exposure have caused significant fading.

A fascinating aspect of this figure is that it represents the open-mouthed Nio, symbolizing the beginning of all things, corresponding to the vocalization of “A.” This mouth position signifies the creation and birth of the universe. In contrast, the closed-mouth Nio symbolizes the end of things, death, and completion, vocalizing “Hūṃ.” The juxtaposition of the two figures—known as Agyō (open-mouthed) and Ungyō (closed-mouthed)—is a physical representation of the Buddhist concept of life and death, often depicted as the guardians of temple gates in Japan.

The Nio figures play a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of East Asian Buddhism. As dharmapalas, or “defenders of the faith,” they justified the use of physical force to protect the sanctity of Buddhist temples and teachings. Their fierce and wrathful appearance contrasts with the more serene representations of the Buddha, emphasizing their role as protectors. The Nio figures, especially in Japan, became iconic elements of temple architecture, symbolizing the power and strength needed to ward off evil influences. Their representation as muscular, warrior-like deities is a visual expression of the Buddhist ideals of protection, power, and strength in adversity.

This Nio statue stands at 167.9 cm (66 1/8 in.) and was constructed from chestnut and cypress wood, materials commonly used in Japanese sculpture of the period. The figure was created using a technique called yosegi-zukuri, which involves joining multiple pieces of wood to create the final form. This method allowed for larger sculptures to be created while maintaining stability. The original statue would have been painted in vivid colors, although these have faded significantly due to exposure over the centuries. The wooden bases supporting the figures in their current display are modern reconstructions, replacing the deteriorated originals.

The Nio figure originally stood as a guardian of a Buddhist temple, likely positioned at the temple’s entrance alongside its paired counterpart. It was designed to intimidate and repel evil spirits from entering the sacred temple space. Over time, the statue was relocated, ultimately finding its way to the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is preserved and displayed.