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Temple Guardian representing the Tiger, 3AM - 5AM

Temple Guardian representing the Tiger, 3AM - 5AM

Culture: Japanese

Date: 1334-1573
Medium: wood, metal
Dimensions:
Overall: 21 1/4 x 9 1/4 x 4 in. (54 x 23.5 x 10.2 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1960.234.12.5
One of the "Twelve Heavenly Kings/Twelve Godly Generals" called the "Juni Shinsho."  The twelve Buddhist generals are semigods, temple guardians, to frighten off evil.  They are ferocious, armed, divine, and they represent the twelve Zodiac signs; each given two hours of the day. Each one has a detachable halo with metal flames, a metal coronet and a small animal carving on top of the head corresponding to the specific Zodiac sign he represents. The "Twelve Godly Generals" surround and protect Buddha Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru), the Healing Buddha.
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