Artwork Page for One of a Pair of Guardian Figures (Zuishin)

Details / Information for One of a Pair of Guardian Figures (Zuishin)

One of a Pair of Guardian Figures (Zuishin)

随身像

c. 1560–1625

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573) to Edo period

(1615–1858)
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Medium
Japanese cypress (hinoki) with traces of color; crystal
Measurements
68.5 x 71.4 cm (26 15/16 x 28 1/8 in.); 70.2 x 70.5 cm (27 5/8 x 27 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2020.215.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Some Japanese sculptors used to specialize in inset crystal eyes.

Description

Sculptors carved these two figures to look like members of the guard who protected the Japanese aristocracy in the 10th to 12th centuries. The pair belong in the roofed gate of a Shinto shrine. Their role was to embody the divine protectors of the deities, or kami, residing at the shrine. Their inset crystal eyes make them appear vigilant.

One of a Pair of Guardian Figures (Zuishin)

c. 1560–1625

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573) to Edo period (1615–1858)

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