Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333) / 1200s
Zaō Gongen
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Zaō Gongen as sculpture (Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333) · 1200s).
Zaō Gongen wears the pelt of a large feline, the face of which is near his knee.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as wood.
The museum's collection notes: Zaō Gongen is the guardian deity of Mount Kinpu in Yoshino south of Nara. Zaō appeared at the behest of En no Gyōja, who prayed for a powerful protector of the mountain. The deity was described as a combined manifestation of the Buddha Shakyamuni, Thousand-Armed Kannon, and Miroku. These three deities were viewed as the past, present, and future protectors of the world. Zaō’s appearance derives from portrayals of fierce Buddhist deities.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtZaō GongenOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.