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Mirror with the Deity Zao Gongen

Mirror with the Deity Zao Gongen. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: Diam. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); D. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm). Date: 11th-12th century. Zao Gongen, the protector deity of Mount Kinpusen in Nara (Yoshino district), is considered the local Shinto manifestation of Buddhist deities as well as one of the most important divinities of the Japanese religious mountain practice shugendo. Here, the three-eyed Zao holds a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand, and stands with his right foot raised and his left hand at his hip. He is always depicted in a dynamic posture, full of energy and vitality. According to legend, the founder of shugendo, En no Gyoja (634-ca. 700), prayed on Kinpusen for a deity who could save all sentient beings, and the fierce Zao was chosen for the task. This mirror was excavated at the mountain, where many sutras (Buddhist scriptures) were buried to preserve Buddhist teachings.
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Title:
Mirror with the Deity Zao Gongen
Caption:
Mirror with the Deity Zao Gongen. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: Diam. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); D. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm). Date: 11th-12th century. Zao Gongen, the protector deity of Mount Kinpusen in Nara (Yoshino district), is considered the local Shinto manifestation of Buddhist deities as well as one of the most important divinities of the Japanese religious mountain practice shugendo. Here, the three-eyed Zao holds a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand, and stands with his right foot raised and his left hand at his hip. He is always depicted in a dynamic posture, full of energy and vitality. According to legend, the founder of shugendo, En no Gyoja (634-ca. 700), prayed on Kinpusen for a deity who could save all sentient beings, and the fierce Zao was chosen for the task. This mirror was excavated at the mountain, where many sutras (Buddhist scriptures) were buried to preserve Buddhist teachings.
Technique/material:
Bronze with hairline engraving
Period:
Heian period (794-1185)
Museum:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Credit:
Album / Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?
Image size:
4400 x 2934 px | 36.9 MB
Print size:
37.3 x 24.8 cm | 14.7 x 9.8 in (300 dpi)
Keywords: