Nio or Ni-O means two kings in Japanese. This is the name the Japanese call the two guardians at the sides of the temple gate. They are huge, muscular and menacing of demeanor. The origin is Hercules and became a strong man who guards the temple. This piece was used as a model for specialists who made Buddhist dieties. It was used as a maquette for wood carvers, when apprenticing. The grid lines painted on the surface was for proportion in creating larger carvings. This small 17th century nio may have been a model for a full sculpture. From the Cleveland Museum Collection.
size: 10 X 4 X 3 INCHES.