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.
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.
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: