Niō Guardian

Josō

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Niō’s fierce and threatening appearance is said to ward off evil spirits and keep the temple grounds free of demons and thieves.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art