The three Kumano Sanzan shrines are in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, and their deities manifest as Buddhist deities on this hanging votive image (J. kakebotoke). The deities reside at three sites connected by a pilgrimage routes throughout the sacred region of Kumano: Hongū, Nachi, and Shingū. This is an example embodying the perfection of kakebotoke that had been achieved by late in the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Take a look at the exquisite openwork of the mandorlas behind each deity, and the dramatic expression of their features.
Object label
This circular metal plaque has the forms of three Buddhist deities: the Buddha Amida (Skt. Amitābha) is at the center; the bodhisattva Senju Kannon (Skt. Sāhasrabhuja-āvalokiteśvara) is on the left; and on the right is likely the Medicine Buddha, Yakushi (Skt. Bhaiṣajyaguru). Perhaps these represent the honji, or “original forms,” of the Shinto deities of the three shrines at Kumano in Wakayama prefecture. They are stylistically characteristic of the Kamakura period (1185–1333), particularly in their dignified features and strong physiques.
MIMOTO ShusakuEnglish by Mary Lewine
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.336, no.172.

