One of a Pair of Guardian Figures (Zuishin)
Unknown Artist
c. 1560–1625
Medium
Japanese cypress (hinoki) with traces of color; crystal
Dimensions
{"No Extent Specified":{"height":0.702,"width":0.705}}
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
2020.215.1
About this artwork
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 kami, residing at the shrine. Their inset crystal eyes make them appear vigilant.