Daishōgun (Great General)

11th–12th century

Not on view

Daishōgun is a guardian of the cardinal directions, a powerful and popular deity in ancient Japan, where certain directions were seen as the source of great danger. According to the practices of Onmyōdō, the Way of Yin-Yang, the most perilous direction shifted every three years. Daishōgun icons were moved regularly to safeguard people from menacing cosmic forces in the most vulnerable times and places. Imagined as a bearded and red-faced warrior wearing a helmet and suit of armor, he would have originally held a sword in his right hand.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Exhibition History

References

大将軍神像
Title: Daishōgun (Great General)
Period: Heian period (794–1185)
Date: 11th–12th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Wood with traces of color
Dimensions: H. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1917
Object Number: 17.216.4
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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