Under The Gateway On Either Side Are The Ni-O, Or Two
Kings, Gigantic Figures In Flowing Robes, One Red And With An Open
Mouth, Representing The Yo, Or Male Principle Of Chinese
Philosophy, The Other Green And With The Mouth Firmly Closed,
Representing The In, Or Female Principle.
They are hideous
creatures, with protruding eyes, and faces and figures distorted
and corrupted into a high degree of exaggerated and convulsive
action.
These figures guard the gates of most of the larger
temples, and small prints of them are pasted over the doors of
houses to protect them against burglars. Attached to the grating
in front were a number of straw sandals, hung up by people who pray
that their limbs may be as muscular as those of the Ni-o.
Passing through this gate we were in the temple court proper, and
in front of the temple itself, a building of imposing height and
size, of a dull red colour, with a grand roof of heavy iron grey
tiles, with a sweeping curve which gives grace as well as grandeur.
The timbers and supports are solid and of great size, but, in
common with all Japanese temples, whether Buddhist or Shinto, the
edifice is entirely of wood. A broad flight of narrow, steep,
brass-bound steps lead up to the porch, which is formed by a number
of circular pillars supporting a very lofty roof, from which paper
lanterns ten feet long are hanging. A gallery runs from this round
the temple, under cover of the eaves.
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