Shinto Deity

Shinto Deity

10th century
Country
Japan
Object
figure
Medium
zelkova wood
Accession Number
1980.95
Credit Line
Purchased with bequest of Edith Trimble Zinn in memory of her husband, Commander Ralph Theodore Zinn
Shinto Deity. 10th century. zelkova wood. Purchased with bequest of Edith Trimble Zinn in memory of her husband, Commander Ralph Theodore Zinn. 1980.95.
Dimensions
height: 33.5 in, 85.0900 cm; width: 19 in, 48.2600 cm; depth: 15 in, 38.1000 cm
Department
Arts of Asia
Collection
Arts of Asia
This object is currently on view
Shinto Deity Japan 900s, Heian period Zelkova wood Bequest of Edith Trimble Zinn in memory of her husband, Commander Ralph Theodore Zinn 1980.95 One of the oldest and largest Shinto sculptures outside of Japan, this male deity is carved from a single tree trunk and preserves its original girth without attachments or joinery. Shinto art is sometimes called an “invisible art” because its images and sacred objects were intentionally concealed in shrines, where they were worshiped unseen by devotees.
Known Provenance
Approximately 1966-1980, Joe Brotherton [d. 2012], Twenty Masterpieces Inc, San Francisco CA; 1980, DAM collection, museum purchase.