Shukongojin Guardian Mask after the Todai-ji Hokkedo Statue – Red & Black Wall Mask, 21 × 34 cm - Dried Lacquer - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)
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Shukongojin Guardian Mask after the Todai-ji Hokkedo Statue, 21 × 34 × 11.5 cm, made in Japan in dried lacquer, a Shōwa period (1926–1989) original/official piece in fair condition.
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Description from the seller
Shukongojin Guardian Mask after the Celebrated Statue of the Hokkedo at Todai-ji, Nara, 21 × 34 cm
– A wall mask depicting Shukongojin, the fierce thunderbolt-bearing guardian of Buddhist teaching
– Modelled on the Nara-period statue in the Hokkedo (Sangatsudo) of Todai-ji, a National Treasure
– Bold red and black finish with a gold-coloured crest on the flame-like topknot
Summary: A wall mask of Shukongojin, the wrathful guardian deity, measuring 21 × 34 × 11.5 cm. It takes as its model the famous eighth-century statue enshrined in the Hokkedo of Todai-ji in Nara, a National Treasure revealed to the public only once a year. The face is rendered in deep red with furrowed brows, bulging eyes and an open, roaring mouth, beneath a tall black topknot. The precise material is unknown; a whitish, plaster-like core is visible at the back rim. The front is in fairly clean condition.
In the Hokkedo, also known as the Sangatsudo, at Todai-ji in Nara stands one of the most remarkable sculptures in Japanese art: a standing figure of Shukongojin, made in the Nara period in the eighth century. Kept as a hidden image, it is shown only on 16 December each year, the memorial day of the monk Roben. Its vivid colour and ferocious energy have made it an icon of early Buddhist sculpture.
This mask captures that ferocity at close quarters. The brows knot together above wide, staring eyes, the nostrils flare, and the mouth is thrown open as if mid-shout, teeth bared. The skin is a rich vermilion red, with black accents to the brows, eyes and hairline, and the hair is gathered into a tall, ribbed topknot in glossy black.
At the front of the topknot sits a gold-coloured crest ornament. The topknot itself has been deliberately painted with a worn, weathered effect, echoing the age of the original statue rather than indicating damage. The precise material of the mask is unknown, though a whitish, plaster-like core shows in places along the back rim. Its age and maker are likewise unknown.
The back is hollowed and finished in dark grey, with a cord for hanging on a wall. At 34 cm high, the mask has real presence: hung alone on a plain wall it becomes a powerful focal point, while it also suits a study, an entrance hall or a collection of Asian religious art and theatre masks.
The front is in fairly clean condition. There are several small scratches along the back rim, consistent with handling. Please view the images closely for the overall condition.
A striking tribute to one of Nara's great treasures, bringing the guardian spirit of Todai-ji into the home.
This listing contains AI Visualisations. Please refer to the original photographs for the actual object condition.
Shipping & Handling
We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer’s responsibility.
Seller Guarantee
We specialise in authentic Japanese art and guarantee this piece’s authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.
1836
Seller's Story
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. I primarily handle Japanese antiques, as well as Western antiques, art pieces, and pre-loved items that have been cherished in Japan. Growing up in a family of historians—my grandfather was a historian and my father was an archaeologist—I have always been captivated by the eras and stories these historic objects and works of art carry with them.
My listings feature collections from both Japan and the West, pieces that have stood the test of time and remained beloved through the ages. Through these rare treasures, I hope to share with you the delight of ownership and discovery. As a professional, I strive for honest and sincere transactions to ensure customer satisfaction, always leveraging my experience and eye for quality.
I strongly believe in not letting buyers down, so I describe items as accurately and thoroughly as possible, prioritizing secure and careful packaging. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It would be my pleasure to help enrich your collecting experience.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to doing business with you.
Shukongojin Guardian Mask after the Celebrated Statue of the Hokkedo at Todai-ji, Nara, 21 × 34 cm
– A wall mask depicting Shukongojin, the fierce thunderbolt-bearing guardian of Buddhist teaching
– Modelled on the Nara-period statue in the Hokkedo (Sangatsudo) of Todai-ji, a National Treasure
– Bold red and black finish with a gold-coloured crest on the flame-like topknot
Summary: A wall mask of Shukongojin, the wrathful guardian deity, measuring 21 × 34 × 11.5 cm. It takes as its model the famous eighth-century statue enshrined in the Hokkedo of Todai-ji in Nara, a National Treasure revealed to the public only once a year. The face is rendered in deep red with furrowed brows, bulging eyes and an open, roaring mouth, beneath a tall black topknot. The precise material is unknown; a whitish, plaster-like core is visible at the back rim. The front is in fairly clean condition.
In the Hokkedo, also known as the Sangatsudo, at Todai-ji in Nara stands one of the most remarkable sculptures in Japanese art: a standing figure of Shukongojin, made in the Nara period in the eighth century. Kept as a hidden image, it is shown only on 16 December each year, the memorial day of the monk Roben. Its vivid colour and ferocious energy have made it an icon of early Buddhist sculpture.
This mask captures that ferocity at close quarters. The brows knot together above wide, staring eyes, the nostrils flare, and the mouth is thrown open as if mid-shout, teeth bared. The skin is a rich vermilion red, with black accents to the brows, eyes and hairline, and the hair is gathered into a tall, ribbed topknot in glossy black.
At the front of the topknot sits a gold-coloured crest ornament. The topknot itself has been deliberately painted with a worn, weathered effect, echoing the age of the original statue rather than indicating damage. The precise material of the mask is unknown, though a whitish, plaster-like core shows in places along the back rim. Its age and maker are likewise unknown.
The back is hollowed and finished in dark grey, with a cord for hanging on a wall. At 34 cm high, the mask has real presence: hung alone on a plain wall it becomes a powerful focal point, while it also suits a study, an entrance hall or a collection of Asian religious art and theatre masks.
The front is in fairly clean condition. There are several small scratches along the back rim, consistent with handling. Please view the images closely for the overall condition.
A striking tribute to one of Nara's great treasures, bringing the guardian spirit of Todai-ji into the home.
This listing contains AI Visualisations. Please refer to the original photographs for the actual object condition.
Shipping & Handling
We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer’s responsibility.
Seller Guarantee
We specialise in authentic Japanese art and guarantee this piece’s authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.
1836
Seller's Story
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. I primarily handle Japanese antiques, as well as Western antiques, art pieces, and pre-loved items that have been cherished in Japan. Growing up in a family of historians—my grandfather was a historian and my father was an archaeologist—I have always been captivated by the eras and stories these historic objects and works of art carry with them.
My listings feature collections from both Japan and the West, pieces that have stood the test of time and remained beloved through the ages. Through these rare treasures, I hope to share with you the delight of ownership and discovery. As a professional, I strive for honest and sincere transactions to ensure customer satisfaction, always leveraging my experience and eye for quality.
I strongly believe in not letting buyers down, so I describe items as accurately and thoroughly as possible, prioritizing secure and careful packaging. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It would be my pleasure to help enrich your collecting experience.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to doing business with you.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Shōwa period (1926-1989)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Dried Lacquer
Height
34 cm
Width
21 cm
Title of artwork
Shukongojin Guardian Mask after the Todai-ji Hokkedo Statue – Red & Black Wall Mask, 21 × 34 cm
Depth
11.5 cm
Condition
Fair condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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