【Important notes】 ・International Buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. ・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. These duties are paid to your country's customs office and not to us. Prompt payment of these fees is necessary to ensure delivery of your item. 【Product details】 Up for auction is a 20th-century hand-carved wooden sculpture of Zaou Gongen, created by the esteemed Japanese sculptor Kubota Yoshimichi. Born on January 1, 1938, in Nagano Prefecture, Kubota Yoshimichi was a disciple of Fujino Tenko. He is an influential figure in the art community, having held positions such as a juror for the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition (Nitten), a committee member of the Japan Sculptors Association, and the chairman of the Chiba Prefectural Art Association. Zaou Gongen is the central deity in the Japanese mountain asceticism-practicing religion of Shugendou, a syncretic faith that blends Buddhism, Shinto, Taoism, and other indigenous practices. Officially known as Kongou Zaou Gongen, this deity does not have origins in India but is unique to Japan and is primarily worshipped at Kinpusen-ji Temple's main hall in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture. The figure is depicted in a wrathful form, with a fiery countenance resembling that of Myou-ou figures in Esoteric Buddhism. Holding a vajra in his right hand, indicative of the deity's power to destroy demonic forces, and making a sword gesture with his left, signifying the cutting away of earthly desires and distractions, Zaou Gongen embodies the fierce and protective qualities valued in Shugendou's quest for spiritual enlightenment. The sculptor's signature, "Yoshimichi," is engraved on the back, affirming its authenticity. Despite signs of wear such as minor scratches and slight dirt due to age, the piece is in good condition. Please refer to the accompanying photographs for details. Dimensions: approx. H 28 cm W 11 cm D 9.3 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!