十二神将の内|Two Generals from the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūnishinshō)

Unknown

ca. 1700 · Wood · Asian Art

The Twelve Divine Generals serve Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Master Buddha, who heals all ailments, including the disease of ignorance. They are also responsible for vanquishing enemies of Buddhism, and are usually depicted in fighting poses, armored, and with ferocious countenances. These examples, however, were roughhewn, probably by an amateur monk-sculptor in the style of the monk-sculptor Enkū (1632–1695), and lack identifying features. Nevertheless, they are striking in their powerful simplicity.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1700

Medium

Wood

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975