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Pair of Guardian Figures (Zuishin)
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Sculptors carved these two figures to look like members of the guard who protected the Japanese aristocracy in the 10th to 12th centuries. The pair belong in the roofed gate of a Shinto shrine. Their role was to embody the divine protectors of the deities, or <em>kami</em>, residing at the shrine. Their inset crystal eyes make them appear vigilant.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Muromachi period (1392–1573) to Edo period (1615–1858) |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1560–1625 |
| Culture / Origin | Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573) to Edo period (1615–1858) |
| Medium | Japanese cypress (hinoki) with traces of color; crystal |
| Dimensions | 68.5 x 71.4 cm (26 15/16 x 28 1/8 in.); 70.2 x 70.5 cm (27 5/8 x 27 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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