Hannyaji Temple
Main Image Wooden Standing Nio (Kongorikishi) Guardians (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
Impression TagsPowerDignitySolemnity
DescriptionA pair of wooden Kongorikishi guardians, the open-mouthed Agyo and closed-mouthed Ungyo, stands in the Niomon Gate of Hannyaji, a historic temple in Hirao. The statues are designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Hirao Town and guard the Buddhist teachings and sacred grounds from either side of the entrance. The thatched gate is a three-bay, eight-legged structure with a hip-and-gable roof. An inscription establishes that the gate was built in 1813, and it was restored during the 2014 fiscal year. Because the guardians stand inside the gate, visitors approaching along the temple path can view them directly. The sculptors and creation dates of the statues themselves have not been confirmed from available official records.
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