Two wooden Nio statues (prefectural important cultural property)

Fudoin Temple, located in Ushida-Shinmachi, Higashi Ward, was a large temple with a land area of 15,000 koku, but the temple grounds have now shrunk. However, the large tower gate at the back of the approach to the temple is an imposing structure that conveys the dignity of a large temple. On either side of this gate, two nearly 3m tall Nio statues stand with their feet planted and glaring. Nio are Vajrapani (spirits) that guard the gates to the Buddhist land, and are responsible for driving away evil demons. For this reason, Nio statues with muscular, powerful bodies, angry expressions, and holding a vajra (a sacred tool) in their hands, were apparently placed at the entrance to protect the temple grounds. The Nio guarding the gates of Fudoin Temple are truly impressive. Facing the viewer, there is an Agyo statue with its mouth open on the right, and an Ungyo statue on the left; both have thick, upturned eyebrows and large noses, and the muscles of their chests, arms, legs, and other parts of their bodies are full of power as they stare at worshippers with their eyes wide open, and their expressiveness is highly praised. Furthermore, from an inscription in ink written inside the statues, we know that the two statues were made in 1294 (the second year of the Einin era) at the request of Kaiken Ajari, through the collaborative work of five Buddhist sculptors, led by Seichibou. There are very few inscribed Nio statues from the Kamakura period in the whole country, and this statue can be said to be a valuable piece that conveys the robust style of the time. Date of designation: March 24, 1983 Summary: Inlaid wood construction, cypress wood, glass eyes, height 280cm