Religious Statues and Sculptures

A collection of diverse religious sculptures, including wooden, ivory, and bronze representations. The pieces exhibit intricate details and varying cultural styles.

Akiba Gongen, Manifestation of Mount Akiba, early 17th century, Unknown Japanese, 34 1/2 × 16 1/4 × 16 1/2 in. (87.63 × 41.28 × 41.91 cm), Wood with polychrome and gold, 17th century, This deity, known as the Manifestation of Mount Akiba in Echigo Province, is worshipped as a protector against fire. Also called Akiba Gongen, the deity is commonly portrayed as a figure with elements of the Shinto tengu, the Buddhist Wisdom King Fudō Myōō, and the Hindu goddess Dakini. Shinto tengu are fierce, long-beaked, and winged goblins with a birds face and a human body, and we can see those features here. Like the Buddhist Wisdom King Fudō Myōō, Akiba Gongen is dressed as a Buddhist monk and holds a double-edged sword and a rope. Dakini is a Hindu goddess who rides on a white fox and flies through the sky, just as Akiba Gongen does.
Akiba Gongen, Manifestation of Mount Akiba, early 17th century, Unknown Japanese, 34 1/2 × 16 1/4 × 16 1/2 in. (87.63 × 41.28 × 41.91 cm), Wood with polychrome and gold, 17th century, This deity, known as the Manifestation of Mount Akiba in Echigo Province, is worshipped as a protector against fire. Also called Akiba Gongen, the deity is commonly portrayed as a figure with elements of the Shinto tengu, the Buddhist Wisdom King Fudō Myōō, and the Hindu goddess Dakini. Shinto tengu are fierce, long-beaked, and winged goblins with a birds face and a human body, and we can see those features here. Like the Buddhist Wisdom King Fudō Myōō, Akiba Gongen is dressed as a Buddhist monk and holds a double-edged sword and a rope. Dakini is a Hindu goddess who rides on a white fox and flies through the sky, just as Akiba Gongen does.