110 - JAPAN—18th century

JAPAN—18th century Kakejiku* (hanging scrolls) depicting the *Niô* guardians—also known as the “celestial kings.” Each painting depicts one of the two guardians: *Agyô*, with an open mouth, and *Ungyô*, with a closed mouth. One of the guardians holds a Buddhist ritual instrument, while the other carries a thunderbolt-shaped scepter (*vajra*). Their fierce, almost grotesque expressions—marked by large, bulging eyes and furrowed brows—reinforce their formidable aura. These polychrome paintings are executed on silk using ink and watercolor. They are mounted as hanging scrolls, adorned with silk brocade frames. The *jikusaki* (lower rod ends) are made of red-lacquered wood, decorated with engraved plant scroll motifs. Dimensions (for each piece): Image: height 127.5 cm, width 75.6 cm. Complete scroll: Height 192 cm, width 91.5 cm (Signs of wear, soiling, creases, small missing sections, etc.).