Ryozenji Temple
Main Image Wooden Standing Kongo Rikishi (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
Impression TagsPowerDignityTense Presence
DescriptionTwo wooden standing Kongo Rikishi are enshrined in the Nio Gate of Ryozenji Temple. The open-mouthed Agyo measures 221.6 cm high and the closed-mouthed Ungyo 216.8 cm, both monumental figures over two meters tall. Their large heads, weighty physiques, and construction with the head and torso carved from a single block without hollowing preserve features associated with Heian-period single-block sculpture. At the same time, the modeling of the buttocks visible beneath the garments reflects newer tendencies seen from the Kamakura period onward. Designated a Shizuoka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property, the pair conveys the transition from Heian to Kamakura sculptural practice and stands in the Nio Gate, itself designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, where the figures can be viewed from the approach.
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