Tōdai-ji Nandai-mon

Nara


The great south gate of Tōdai-ji contains two fierce-looking Niō (guardians). These recently restored wooden images, carved in the 13th century by famed sculptor Unkei, are among the finest examples of guardian statues in the country – dynamic and full of character, with dramatic musculature.

The gate is about 200m south of the Tōdai-ji temple enclosure.


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