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Gozu Tennō (Ox-Headed Plague Deity)
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Gozu Tennō is a deity who is capable of both bringing epidemics and dispelling them. His name is literally “Ox-Headed Celestial King.” He usually has three heads with an ox-head rising above his primary face. He sometimes holds a lasso and sword or an ax, but here holds his hands in a powerful gesture that may be designed to repel illness or promote healing.
| Artist / Maker | Japan, Heian period (794–1185) |
|---|---|
| Date | 1100s |
| Culture / Origin | Japan, Heian period (794–1185) |
| Medium | Wood with traces of color |
| Dimensions | 22.5 x 18 x 9.6 cm (8 7/8 x 7 1/16 x 3 3/4 in.) |
| Department | Japanese Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
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