A Heavenly General (One of the Junishinsho)
Unknown Artist
1200s
Medium
wood with lacquer, polychromy, gold, and crystal eyes
Dimensions
h. 117.2 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1988.53
About this artwork
This dynamic figure was originally part of a set of Twelve Divine Generals (Junishinsho) that stood in a Japanese Buddhist temple hall, protecting the central icon of the Yakushi Nyorai, the Healing Buddha. This sculpture was constructed from many pieces of thinly carved wood joined together with pins, then covered with hemp cloth and lacquer paste, and finally decorated with pigments. Eyes made of crystal, with painted details, finish the composition. The profileration of religious sites throug...