This is a Japanese plaster mask of one of the Nio guardians, Agyou. Often seen at the gates of prominent Buddhist temples across Japan, the Nio Pair of Nio Kings embody physical force to keep evil and discord from entering. This mask is of Agyou, the open-mouthed guardian. Most notably, one of the most famous statues of Agyou can be found at the South Gate of Todaiji Temple in Nara.
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