Motoyamaji Temple
Main Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Guardians (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
Impression TagsPowerDignityTense Presence
DescriptionTwo wooden Kongo Rikishi guardian statues stand on either side of the Niomon entrance gate of Motoyamaji, Temple No. 70 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Retaining traces of red coloring, the pair consists of the open-mouthed Agyo and closed-mouthed Ungyo. Their powerful bodies and fierce expressions guard the gateway welcoming pilgrims. The two statues were designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Kagawa Prefecture in 1997. The Niomon gate itself is an Important Cultural Property of Japan, noted for its distinctive eight-legged structure combining the Wayō, Zenshuyō (Karayō) and Daibutsuyō (Tenjikuyō) architectural styles. Ordinary visitors can view the figures from either side of the gate at the entrance to grounds containing a National Treasure main hall and a five-storied pagoda. The statues' dates and makers have not been established in the sources checked.
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