Monumental Nio Guardian Deva Kings (Agyō & Ungyō) — Bronze Casting, Matsuhisa Sohrin School Attribution, Pair, 61cm, Japan

Monumental Nio Guardian Deva Kings Statues (Agyō & Ungyō)

This commanding pair of Nio (Deva Kings), Agyō and Ungyō, represents one of the most powerful iconographic guardians in Japanese Buddhist sculpture. Cast in bronze with dynamic musculature and dramatic contrapposto movement, the figures embody the cosmic forces of birth and cessation, breath and silence, protection and wrath.

Attributed to the Matsuhisa Sohrin, known for monumental devotional sculpture in the modern era, these guardians demonstrate a masterful synthesis of classical temple iconography with robust, expressive casting. Each figure stands independently yet functions as part of a complete cosmological pair, traditionally placed at temple gates to ward off malevolent forces and spiritual corruption.

• Material: Bronze
• Height: Approx. 61 cm each
• Weight: Approx. 12 kg each
• Form: Agyō & Ungyō (pair)

The surfaces display natural age wear consistent with devotional or architectural display, contributing to an authentic, temple‑associated presence rather than diminishing value. Their scale, weight, and sculptural authority place them firmly within institutional or advanced private collections.

WHO ARE THE NIO (DEVA KINGS)?

The Nio, also known as Kongōrikishi, are wrathful protectors of the Buddhist Dharma. 
• Agyō (open mouth) symbolizes creation and the beginning of all things.
• Ungyō (closed mouth) symbolizes dissolution and the end of all things.

Together they form the sacred syllable “A‑Un,” representing the totality of existence.

CONDITION REPORT

• Overall structurally sound
• No major cracks or casting failures observed
• Minor surface wear, rubbing, and age patina consistent with age and display
• No visually disruptive damage
• Condition aligns with museum‑acceptable standards for bronze guardian figures

COLLECTOR RELEVANCE

• Ideal for temple, gallery, or architectural placement
• Suitable for museum or institutional acquisition
• Advanced private collectors of Buddhist sculpture
• High‑impact statement pair for entry halls or garden installations

CONFIDENCE & VERIFICATION NOTES

Attribution is based on stylistic analysis, seller documentation, and comparative examples from Matsuhisa Sohrin‑school bronze guardians. As with all historical devotional objects, precise workshop attribution cannot be guaranteed, but craftsmanship, scale, and finish strongly support stated origin.

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some of the cultural and heritage works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Oriental Cultural Heritage and arts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.