Sōgyō Hachiman
10th century
Medium
Wood with traces of white pigment
Dimensions
53.3 × 46.4 cm (21 × 18 1/4 in.)
Classification
wood
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
12341
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This work is believed to be part of a group of sculptures produced by one studio around the same time, possibly for a processional ritual. The literal meaning of its title is “Hachiman in the guise of a monk.” The cult of the Shinto deity Hachiman originated at Usa in northeast Kyushu, a site relatively close to the Korean peninsula and also a prominent early Buddhist center. Buddhism had been introduced into Japan in the 6th century, and monks became one of the most recognizable symbols of its ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...