Old Zuishin Wood figures, The Guardians of Shrines
Price on Request
Japanese wood zuishin figures probably from early 1900s. They are figures of the Toneri, the imperial guardsmen from the Heian period (794-1185). Later in the Kamakura period, they became the gate keepers of the Shinto shrines. Zuishin are sometimes called sa(left)-daijin and ya(arrows)-daijin (arrow-minister). The first character 'dai' means large or great and the second character means 'god'. There are zuishin dolls in Japanese Hina doll - the Minister of the Right and the Left - the character means 'minister' is often used with the dolls. With detains in their faces, this is a very nice looking guardian figures.
Approx. 12 3/4"H (to tip of hat) x 12"W x 4 1/4"D
