Is it only me that sees some Hindu gods likeness here?
Looks Buddhist, holding a vajra. Zen arrived in Japan in the 12th century so this must be among the earliest Japanese Buddhist art. Incredible artifact.
12th century , so that’s quite old indeed. The Buddhist statues I’ve seen were more modern than this one. It’s beautiful!
The description from the museum:
Zaō Gongen is the guardian deity of Mount Kinpu in Yoshino south of Nara. Zaō appeared at the behest of En no Gyōja, who prayed for a powerful protector of the mountain. The deity was described as a combined manifestation of the Buddha Shakyamuni, Thousand-Armed Kannon, and Miroku. These three deities were viewed as the past, present, and future protectors of the world. Zaō’s appearance derives from portrayals of fierce Buddhist deities.
