Statues of Kongo Rikishi in Nandai-mon (Great South Gate)

When you visit Todaiji Temple, the first thing you will see is Nandai-mon (Great South Gate).
There are two “Kongo rikishi” statues on the left and right.

As gatekeepers, they watch over those who pass through this gate with fearful faces.
The two muscular statues were completed in just 69 days in Kamakura period (1203).
Both statues measure approximately 8.4 meters in height, so we will be looking up at these statues from below.
And there is a carefully calculated balance in it.
In fact, these two statues have big heads and short legs.
The faces are made bigger and the legs are made shorter purposely, so you can feel the impact more strongly when you look up from below.
If you could see these statues from a higher position, they might look a little cute.

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