Tsuka with Gate Guardians

Description Two fierce guardian figures ("ni-ô") are placed at the main south gate to Buddhist temples. In Japan, they are called Misshaku Rikishi and Kongo Rikishi. They are differentiated by their pose. Misshaku Rikishi appears on the kashira (Kongo Rikishi is on the matching fuchi). The menuki are in the shape of the two guardians, with Misshaku on the front and Kongo on the back. This is part of a mounted set.

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquistion unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Inscriptions none

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters