Approximately 19c, possibly earlier. 39 cm tall x 26 x 19cm. Good condition, a small loss at one hand, and the loss of a lower rear back panel, see photos. Heavy dark patina, some mold and traces of dark red paint. This rare wood carved sculpture represents the Shinto / Buddhist figure of En no Gyo-ja, or En-no Ozunu, from the Shinto Zao Gongen Cult. This particular cult combined Buddhist, Shinto and Taoist thought, and the figure of En no Gyoja is recognized as the founder of this movement. (See Shinto Arts by Hanuki). Gyoja meaning ascetic monk, he founded Shugen-do in the Nara period (7th / 8th century), practicing at Mount Ikoma and Mount Katsuragi, and was said to master supernatural powers, but was later banished for leading people astray, and exiled to Izu. He is generally represented as an elderly man wearing tall clogs (geta), and holding a sutra, scroll and stick in hands. A rare example of Shinto sculpture.
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