A Heavenly General (One of the Junishinshō)

十二神将立像

1200s

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185–1333)

Medium

Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and crystal eyes

Measurements

117.2 cm (46 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund 1988.53

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

A fierce facial expression warns us not to cross this protective deity.

Description

This dynamic figure was originally part of a set of Twelve Divine Generals (Junishinshō) that stood in a Japanese Buddhist temple hall, protecting the central icon of Yakushi Nyorai, the Healing Buddha. This sculpture was constructed from many pieces of thinly carved wood joined together with pins, then covered with hemp cloth and lacquer paste, and finally decorated with pigments. Eyes made of crystal, with painted details, finish the composition. The proliferation of religious sites throughout Japan in the 1200s, particularly in Kyoto, kept sculptors’ studios busy creating religious icons.