Artwork Page for En no Gyōja

Details / Information for En no Gyōja

En no Gyōja

役行者像

1200s
This object has related works. See

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185–1333)
Medium
wood
Measurements
Average: 74.9 cm (29 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1975.65
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

This sculpture was once flanked by the demons Zenki and Koki (CMA 2012.40).

Description

This Buddhist monk is known as En no Gyōja, or “En the Ascetic” (legendarily 634–701), who is said to have founded Shugendō, a style of religious practice focused on performing challenging, rigorous tests of courage and devotion in mountainous settings.
A weathered dark-wood carving depicts En no Gyōja seated and facing forward. Numerous small holes pit the surface. Wearing a hood and heavy robes, the figure has a furrowed brow and open mouth. Both hands are raised with fingers curled toward the chest. One leg is fragmented at the ankle, while the other foot rests on a jagged base. The sculpture sits on a plain light wood block.

En no Gyōja

1200s

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

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