RARE AND IMPORTANT REPRESENTATION of a protective... Lot 1

RARE AND IMPORTANT REPRESENTATION of a protective deity standing in a dynamic and threatening martial attitude with a fierce facial expression. His hairstyle is erect and his garment supports a mythical animal head derived from the Indian kirtimukha above the belt. All of these iconographic elements combined with the shoes covering his feet indicate that he is most likely one of the twelve celestial generals (Jūni Shinshō) who protect and serve Yakushi Nyorai the Medicine Buddha. The absence of the formerly reported arms and thus attributes makes its precise identification tricky. Wood, (most likely a species of cypress) old visible accidents and missing parts. Japan ca. 12°-14° centuries, Heian / Kamakura period. H.164 cm. Provenance : French private collection. Expert : Jean-Luc ESTOURNEL.