2-737-202 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Pair of Guardian Kings (Nio), 1200s. These wrathful protectors of Buddhism would have once stood within the sides of the main entrance gate to a temple. One has an open mouth that intones the sound ah, and symbolizes the beginning, or life.One has a closed mouth that intones the sound un, and symbolizes the end, or death. Once brightly painted, the guardians colour has worn away after centuries of being sentinels.