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Collections

Unknown
Zaō Gongen: Mountain Avatarearly 13th century

Not on view
Polychrome wood sculpture of a stomping figure with raised fist and lifted knee, in slate gray paint with remnants of red and gold on draped garments, standing on a rocky base over a small crouching creature
Polychrome wood sculpture of a guardian deity in dynamic striding pose, one arm raised, standing atop a rocky base; remnants of orange, red, and gold pigment on billowing robes; stern facial expression with crown, traces of dark lacquer on skin.
Polychromed wood sculpture of a dynamic deity figure in a lunging dance pose, with dark-painted skin, one arm raised, wearing a crown and ornate gold and red draped skirt with dotted pattern; traces of original pigment throughout.
Carved and lacquered wood sculpture of a standing bodhisattva figure, photographed from the rear three-quarter view, wearing flowing robes with traces of red and black pigment, elaborate crown, raised on a rocky base; significant surface cracking and losses throughout.
Polychrome wooden sculpture of a guardian figure in dynamic stance, one arm raised above the head, standing atop a rocky base. Blue-gray skin with remnants of red and cream pigment on flowing drapery; traces of original paint throughout.
Polychrome wooden sculpture of a dynamic guardian figure in a striding pose, one leg raised, one arm raised with fist clenched. Face features an intense expression with three eyes and an elaborate crown. Draped in a red sash and gold-patterned skirt with remnants of original pigment. Figure stands atop a rocky base.
Close-up detail of a polychrome wooden sculpture showing a mandorla with radiating incised lines and scattered floral motifs in black, tied at top with a painted red and pink knotted cord, surrounded by richly patterned robes in red and gold with floral decoration; paint surface shows significant age cracking and loss.
Polychrome carved wooden figure of a Buddhist guardian deity, upper body shown against a dark background. The figure has a fierce expression with wide eyes, open mouth, and a third eye on the forehead, crowned with flame-like hair. One arm is raised in a dynamic gesture, adorned with a bracelet. Traces of gray, red, and gold pigment remain on the surface, with visible cracking and age throughout.
Wooden sculpture of a guardian deity, upper body and head, with dark lacquered surface, inlaid eyes, a third eye on the forehead, bared teeth, and an elaborate crown with flame-like projections; traces of red and gold pigment remaining.
Wooden sculpture, close-up of a guardian deity figure with inlaid glass eyes, scowling facial expression, and a crown with upward-pointing flame-like projections; traces of dark blue and red pigment remain on the weathered, cracked surface, with a decorative necklace visible at the chest.
Wooden Buddhist guardian figure, close-up of head and upper torso, with dark painted surface showing aged crackle. Inlaid eyes, bared teeth, and flame-like hair topped with a small floral ornament convey a wrathful expression. Traces of red and gold pigment remain at the collar.
Painted wood sculpture of a guardian figure with flame-shaped hair, fierce facial expression, and one arm raised with clenched fist; traces of red pigment remain on drapery and hair, with darkened lacquered surface.
Close-up of a wooden sculptural figure, showing draped robes with remnants of dark lacquer and red pigment, carved floral medallion motifs, and significant cracking and surface loss consistent with age.
Close-up detail of a polychrome wooden sculpture showing layered robes with incised floral and scroll patterns in deep red and dark brown pigments, with significant paint loss and cracking revealing aged wood beneath.
Close-up detail of a polychrome wooden Buddhist sculpture, showing a fan-shaped ornament with carved relief bow knot, radiating incised lines, and floral dot patterns in red, black, and gold against aged gilded wood, with draped robes visible at the edges
Close-up detail of a polychromed wooden Buddhist sculpture, showing torso and bent arm with worn red, gold, and gray pigments, carved drapery folds, and a knotted sash at center chest.
Polychrome wood sculpture of a guardian figure (likely a Tennō or Niō), upper body shown with one arm raised in a dynamic pose, fierce facial expression with bared teeth and wide eyes, wearing a red draped garment and ornamental chest piece, dark painted surface with traces of original pigment.
Wooden sculptural figure of a bodhisattva seen from behind, in a dynamic twisted pose with one arm raised, wearing a crown and draped robes with traces of red and gold polychrome pigment over a dark ground.
Polychrome wood sculpture of a dynamic celestial figure in a twisting, airborne pose, one arm raised, wearing flowing draped robes with remnants of red and cream pigment, an elaborate crown, and jewelry; fine carved drapery folds throughout.

Unknown, Zaō Gongen: Mountain Avatar, Kamakura Period, early 13th century, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of the 2013 Collectors Committee, photo © Museum Associates/LACMA

Artist or Maker
Unknown
Title
Zaō Gongen: Mountain Avatar
Place Made
Japan
Date Made
early 13th century
Period
Kamakura period (1185-1333)
Medium
Wood, pigments, gold leaf, crystal
Dimensions
a) Figure: 17 1/2 × 9 1/2 × 6 7/8 in. (44.45 × 24.13 × 17.46 cm) b) Mountain (base): 3 × 7 1/2 × 5 in. (7.62 × 19.05 × 12.7 cm) a-b) Overall: 18 1/2 × 9 1/2 × 6 7/8 in. (47 × 24.13 × 17.46 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the 2013 Collectors Committee
Accession Number
M.2013.52a-b
Classification
Sculpture
Collecting Area
Japanese Art
Selected Bibliography
  • Goodall, Hollis, and Robert T. Singer. "Art of Asia Acquired by North American Museums, 2012-2013: Los Angeles County Museum of Art." Archives of Asian Art 64, no.2 (2014): 236-244.
  • Singer, Robert T., and Kawai Masatomo, editors. The Life of Animals in Japanese Art. Washington, D.C.: National Gallery of Art, 2019.