Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)

Japan

Not on view

The Twelve Divine Generals serve and protect Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, who heals all diseases, including the disease of ignorance. They are also responsible for protecting the faithful and vanquishing the enemies of Buddhism. The generals are usually depicted with ferocious countenances, wearing armor and standing in fighting poses, as in these examples. In Heian Japan, they became associated with the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. The generals here have been tentatively identified as, from right to left:



(2) Basara, Ox (丑)

(4) Anchira, Rabbit (卯)

(6) Sanchira, Snake (巳)

(7) Indara, Horse (午)

(11) Shotora, Dog (戌)

(12) Bikara, Boar (亥)



On view from August 28, 2021–April 24, 2022

Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan

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Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan

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