Kongo Rikishi / Nio

Kongo Rikishi is one of two Guardian Kings who serve as guardians of the Buddha. They are usually standing at the entrance of many Buddhist temples. They are part of the Heavenly Guardians who were originally derived from Hindu and Brahmanic myths and incorporated into the Japanese Buddhist beliefs.

Agyō Guardian ("A"-form, general term open-mouthed statues in aum pair), expresses his anger. Un gyo Guardian close-mouthed and holds his anger in his mind. Agyo mouth is depicted as being in the shape necessary to form the "ah" sound, leading to his alternate name, "Agyō". 

The statute was originally placed at the Middlegate Japanese Garden in Pass Christian, Mississippi. The garden was a popular destination on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, 70-miles east of New Orleans, Louisiana. Unfortunately, it was almost entirely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was permanently closed. This sculpture suffered significant structural damage.   

In 2015, Mr. and Mrs. Gabrych purchased the damaged statue and donated it to the Japanese Friendship Garden in 2017. The Board of Directors recognized this as an important cultural and historical asset and decided to restore and exhibit it. The Japanese Friendship Garden completed restoration in November of 2018.

Kongo Rikisihi / Nio  (Vajrapāṇi)

 Agyo  Guardian 

Material: Cast Bronze 

Estimated size: App 7’ x 4’

Created: Late 19th century- Early 20th century

Donor: Marian and Gene Gabrych Trust