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Zaō Gongen

11th century
Not on view
Zaō Gongen is a rare example of a purely Japanese deity in the Buddhist pantheon. Many of the religious practices associated with Zaō took place in remote temples deep in the mountains. Through these rites, mountain ascetics (yamabushi), who were practitioners of Shugendō, attempted to appropriate for themselves the sheer physical power of the deities. This powerful icon in a demon-quelling aspect was made for the Kōshōji Temple in Kyoto.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 蔵王権現立像
  • Title: Zaō Gongen
  • Period: Heian period (794–1185)
  • Date: 11th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Gilt bronze with incised decoration
  • Dimensions: H. 13 5/8 in. (34.6 cm); W. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); D. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.268.155
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 8815. Za Gongen

8815. Za Gongen

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