Shinto Deity as a Seated Courtier

Japan

Not on view

This figure, carved from a single piece of wood, represents a Shinto deity (kami) in the form of a Heian-period courtier. Around this time, divinity was conferred on the imperial court such that certain aristocrats, once deceased, were deified and venerated as kami. Some of them were responsible for the safety and stability of important clans. Despite the figure’s insect damage (common in Shinto statues from this period), its exposed wood grain—centered on the face—gives the work a dramatic effect.

Shinto Deity as a Seated Courtier, Wood; single-block (ichiboku-zukuri) construction, with traces of red and black pigment, Japan

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Shinto Deity as a Seated Courtier, Wood; single-block (ichiboku-zukuri) construction, with traces of red and black pigment, Japan
Shinto Deity as a Seated Courtier, Wood; single-block (ichiboku-zukuri) construction, with traces of red and black pigment, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.