Two large Japanese temple guardians (Niōzō) have been favourites with the Rijksmuseum public since the opening of the Asian Pavilion in 2013. Early in the morning of 13 October, a special ceremony ‘in time and space’ was held, connecting the centuries old statues with Yokota in Japan, the guardian’s original birthplace.
Dutch artist Jikke van Loon was inspired by the community of Yokota’s recollections of the Niōzō and the enduring connection between them and created a collaborative art project. Using blue-and-white tiles, painted jointly by people from the Netherlands and the community in Yokota, two life-size statues of the temple guardians were re-created. During the ceremony, these ‘Blue Niō’ were installed at the Iwaya-ji mountain in Yokota, where the original Niōzō once stood, to resume their tasks.
The Rijksmuseum was honoured to welcome the Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands Mr. Minami and Mrs. Minami, as well as other distinguished guests. Representatives and members of Dujat were also present.
If you would like to learn more about activities in the Rijksmuseum or would like to support the Rijksmuseum, please contact: Mr. Guido Bouw at g.bouw@rijksmuseum.nl
