Artwork Page for Shinto Deity

Details / Information for Shinto Deity

Shinto Deity

女神像

900s

Japan, Heian period

(794–1185)
View all records in artwork set
Medium
wood, with traces of polychromy
Measurements
Overall: 53.3 x 47 cm (21 x 18 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1978.3.2
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Traces of pigment on the surface of this sculpture indicate it was once painted.

Description

This sculpture represents a kami, the name for deities associated with the Japanese religious tradition called Shinto. It is said to have originally been created for the Usa Hachiman Shrine in Oita on the island of Kyushu. The shrine houses four main kami: Hime Okami, who assists those engaged in agriculture andsea travel; the legendary 5th-century emperor Ojin deified as the kami Hachiman; Empress Jingu; and the kami of Mount Kawara, who aids copper miners. The pose of this figure, dressed in robes reminiscent of a Tang dynasty court lady, suggests that she may have been an attending deity.
A wood sculpture depicts a seated Shinto deity with visible grain and small holes. The figure sits with their right knee raised and a large bow at the waist of their robes. Their right arm is bent upward, holding fabric, while their left hand rests palm down. The deity has downcast eyes, long earlobes, and curved lips below a high, rounded hairstyle. Traces of dark pigment remain on the fragmented base.

Shinto Deity

900s

Japan, Heian period (794–1185)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork