Statues --> Japan
One of the major religions professed in Japan is that of Buddhism and throughout the continent you can see the beautiful and charming temples. On the main doors it is usual to see 2 large statues which are the "guardians of the Buddha."
They are the statues of Kongorikishi whose bad face scares evil spirits and protect the temple.
According to Japanese legend, the Kongorikishi traveled with the Buddha to protect him thanks to his 2 entities in fact it is also called Nio (lit. two kings): the first one with open mouth represents the beginning of the universe and the another one with which mouth represents its end.
Fabrizio Galli chose this particular character in its version called Naraen Kong, with iopen mouth. This important and benefical symbol represents the vocalization of the first grapheme of Sanskrit Devanagari, which is pronounced "a" and symbolizes the birth.
Whole face is based on the fear that devils thieves must have in front of this figure. The strings raised above their heads underline the anger and wrath of the guardian.
In Japan the most famous statues of Kongorikishi are placed at the Todaiji Temple in Nara and they were created by renowned sculptor Unkei in 1203 AD.
The Mask of NiO was also used for ancient theatrical performances in Gigaku style (600-900 AD) based on texts comedians and even vulgar texts. For this reason they were soon replaced by Bugako masks, with most delicate dances reserved for large parties and religious ceremonies. Speaking about Japanese masks it is impossible to not mention the Noh theater, one of the purest and most distinct expressions of the culture of the nation that is dating from the fourteenth century. Noh drama is poetic and extremely slow and consists of long sungs and mimati poems with orchestral accompaniment.
The main actors are wear beautiful clothes of brocade, a particular and heavy tissue. As courtly form that keeps alive the ancient tradition,in 2001 Noh performances were declared Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO.
