PTA15 - Late Edo Nio Screen

This powerful and extremely rare screen depicts the Nio, Buddhist temple guardians. The screen is split in the middle and the panels are separated from each other. The Nio are two wrathful and muscular guardians of the Buddha. They stand today at the entrance of many Buddhist temples in the form of frightening wrestler-like statues. They are dharmapalas, manifestations of the Bodhisattva Vajrapani, the oldest and one of the most powerful of the Mahayana Buddhist pantheon. Within the tradition of Buddhism, stories of dharmapalas justified the use of physical force to protect cherished values and beliefs. The Nio are often featured in Japanese art, and they are a popular subject for screens. This screen is a particularly fine example of the genre. The artist has captured the power and majesty of the Nio in great detail. This screen is a rare and valuable artifact from the Late Edo period. It is a stunning example of Japanese art and craftsmanship.