<em>Standing Figure of Buddhist Guardian</em>, 13th–14th century. Wood sculpture with traces of polychromy, 23 7/16 x 11 5/8 in. (59.5 x 29.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Carll H. de Silver Fund and Museum Collection Fund, 61.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 61.1_front_PS6.jpg)

Standing Figure of Buddhist Guardian, 13th–14th century. Wood sculpture with traces of polychromy, 23 7/16 x 11 5/8 in. (59.5 x 29.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Carll H. de Silver Fund and Museum Collection Fund, 61.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 61.1_front_PS6.jpg)

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Standing Figure of Buddhist Guardian

Asian Art

On View: Asian Galleries, Arts of Japan, 2nd floor

This relatively small figure of a fierce warrior likely depicts one of twelve heavenly generals who were installed in a circle to guard an image of the Buddha of Healing (Yakushi Nyorai) in a Buddhist temple. Dressed in Chinese-style armor, he held a spear or trident, warding off anyone who might threaten the Buddhist faith. An inscription—on the tenon attaching the bottom of one foot to its pedestal—suggests that the image was carved by a sculptor named Joga, whose name also appears on sculptures made for Kōfuku-ji, a major Buddhist temple in Nara.

MEDIUM Wood sculpture with traces of polychromy

Place Made: Japan

DATES 13th–14th century

PERIOD Kamakura Period

DIMENSIONS 23 7/16 x 11 5/8 in. (59.5 x 29.5 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Asian Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 61.1

CREDIT LINE Carll H. de Silver Fund and Museum Collection Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION The piece has been attributed to "Joga" on the basis of a signed sculpture from the same set now in the Nara Museum. (This sculptor has not been further identified.) Since the attributes, originally held in each hand, are now lost, positive identification of this figure is impossible, but he appears to be one of the twelve divine generals. "Yoseki" or multiple block construction with hollow center. Originally the piece was entirely polychromed. Traces of fabric which covered the joins, a small area of gilt and lacquer pattern, and traces of polychrome remain. Condition: repairs on left shoulder and right elbow. Small details of drapery broken off. Modern "cloud-shaped" stand.

EXHIBITIONS

Arts of Japan

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Arts of Japan, 2nd floor

CAPTION Standing Figure of Buddhist Guardian, 13th–14th century. Wood sculpture with traces of polychromy, 23 7/16 x 11 5/8 in. (59.5 x 29.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Carll H. de Silver Fund and Museum Collection Fund, 61.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 61.1_front_PS6.jpg)

IMAGE front, 61.1_front_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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