Brooklyn Museum: Asian Art: Standing Figure of Buddhist Guardian

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Standing Figure of Buddhist Guardian

The figure is constructed in the yosegi technique, in which numerous blocks of wood are hollowed out and joined together. Since the figure's attributes are now lost, its exact identification is unknown. The stance, with weight resting on one leg, and the dexterous carving of the armor in the fashion of a Chinese officer of the Tang dynasty, identify the figure as one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals who guard Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. An inscription on the tenon supporting the sculpture in its pedestal leads us to attribute the piece to the artist Joga, a sculptor principally known for his association with Jokei (of the Kei School) in work done for Kofuku-ji, Nara, around 1200.

Medium: Wood sculpture with traces of polychromy
Place Made: Japan
Dates: 13th-14th century
Period: Kamakura Period
Collections: Asian Art
Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, The Arts of Japan, 2nd Floor
Accession Number: 61.1
Credit Line: Carll H. de Silver Fund and Museum Collecction Fund
Image: Overall, 61.1_reference_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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.

Collections: Asian Art: Standing Figure of Buddhist Guardian