Two terracotta sculptures from the Hōryū-ji temple in Ikaruga (Nara), Japan. These two sculptu
Two terracotta sculptures from the Hōryū-ji temple in Ikaruga (Nara), Japan. These two sculptures are guardians, situated at each entry of the buddhist temple. Agyo, the red one with its mouth open represents expressed power and Ungyo, the black one with its mouth closed represents latent power. They protect the temple against its ennemies and their fierce attitude is supposed to frighten off people with bad intentions. photos by JapanPhotos.org.uk. -- source link
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