Pair of A-Un Nio Guardian Kings (阿吽 金剛力士像) Sculptures - Statue Wood - Japan

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Marion Oliviero
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Selected by Marion Oliviero

Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.

Estimate  € 700 - € 1,000
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Pair of A-Un Nio Guardian Kings sculptures carved from wood in Japan, dating to the early 20th century, in fair condition, with dimensions approximately H 63.5–64.2 cm, W 29–35 cm, D 23.5–26 cm and a total weight of 11.8 kg; not signed, vajra shaft missing on one figure.

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Description from the seller

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This rare and striking pair of wooden Nio guardian figures, representing the traditional A-Un combination (one with an open mouth, the other closed), was hand-carved in the early 20th century. Each figure stands with a powerful, dynamic posture, expressing the protective strength and fierce presence associated with temple guardians.

Both sculptures are carved from solid wood, and their surfaces show rich ageing consistent with their period. The patina, remaining gold tones and subtle wear contribute to an appealing historical character, reflecting decades of devotional or decorative use.

Several age-related imperfections are present. These include stains, cracks in the wood on areas such as the shoulders, back, garment folds and base; small chips on the base; a damaged section of the swirling ribbon elements near the head; and separation in the carved hair of one figure. The vajra held by one of the guardians is missing its shaft, and only the decorative finial is sculpted in the hand. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition.

Dimensions: approx. H 63.5-64.2 cm W 29-35 cm D 23.5-26 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This rare and striking pair of wooden Nio guardian figures, representing the traditional A-Un combination (one with an open mouth, the other closed), was hand-carved in the early 20th century. Each figure stands with a powerful, dynamic posture, expressing the protective strength and fierce presence associated with temple guardians.

Both sculptures are carved from solid wood, and their surfaces show rich ageing consistent with their period. The patina, remaining gold tones and subtle wear contribute to an appealing historical character, reflecting decades of devotional or decorative use.

Several age-related imperfections are present. These include stains, cracks in the wood on areas such as the shoulders, back, garment folds and base; small chips on the base; a damaged section of the swirling ribbon elements near the head; and separation in the carved hair of one figure. The vajra held by one of the guardians is missing its shaft, and only the decorative finial is sculpted in the hand. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition.

Dimensions: approx. H 63.5-64.2 cm W 29-35 cm D 23.5-26 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

Details

Era
1900-2000
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Wood
Title of artwork
Pair of A-Un Nio Guardian Kings (阿吽 金剛力士像) Sculptures
Signature
Not signed
Condition
Fair condition
Height
64.2 cm
Width
35 cm
Depth
26 cm
Weight
11.8 kg
JapanVerified
4393
Objects sold
99.82%
protop

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