The Shinto deity Zao Gongen

Place of OriginJapan

Date1800-1900

PeriodEdo (1615-1868) or Meiji (1868-1912) period

CultureJapanese

MaterialsWood with pigment and glass inlay

DimensionsH. 12 1/2 in x W. 5 in x D. 2 1/2, H. 31.7 cm x W. 12.7 cm x D. 6.4 cm

Credit LineGift and Purchase from the Harry G.C. Packard Collection Charitable Trust in honor of Dr. Shujiro Shimada; The Avery Brundage Collection

Object number1991.73

DepartmentJapanese Art

ClassificationsSculpture

On View

On view

LocationGallery 26

More Information

Zao Gongen is a Shinto guardian deity who is believed to dwell on Mount Kinpu in the Yoshino district, south of Nara. Under the strong influence of Buddhism, worshipers began to conceive of him as a being whose form was similar to those of the powerful deities known as the Radiant Kings (Myoo). Here he appears as a ferocious guardian with hair standing on end, prominent fangs, and one foot lifted in a dynamic pose. Zao Gongen came to be venerated throughout the country as a giver of wealth and protector of the faithful. The worship of Zao Gongen, however, remained centered atop Mount Kinpu, where statues of him were buried.

Subject