Zaō Gongen is the principal deity in the Shugendō tradition, a sect of esoteric Buddhism (mikkyō) characterized by its ascetic mountain practices. This mirror is incised with an image of this powerful deity. Zaō Gongen stands on his left leg upon a pedestal of rocks and crags; his right hand holds a vajra pestle. The metal plaque resembles a mirror; on its reverse there are holes for inserting a rod to stand it up. Because this gives us a sense as to how it was used in worship, it is an especially interesting and valuable work.
NAITO SakaeEnglish by Mary Lewine
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.336, no.170.
Mirror with incised image of Zaō-gongen
Bronze, line engraved
D 21.5
Heian period 12th century
- D000660
- D000660
- A023062
- A023063
- A023064
- A023065
- A023066
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| Accession Number | 519-0 |
|---|---|
| Category | Decorative Arts |
| Provenance | Excavated from sutra mound at Kinpusen, Nara |
| Bibliography | Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, 354p. Shinto Gods and Buddhist deities: syncretic faith in Japanese art. Nara National Museum, 2007, 333p. (Japanese) Illustrated Catalogue of the Collection of Nara National Museum: Buddhist Implements. Nara National Museum, 1992, 121p. (Japanese) Arts treasures of mountain religion. Nara National Museum, 1985, 240p. (Japanese) |