Pair of Zuijin (“Minister of the Right” and “Minister of the Left”)
Artist Unknown
18th century
Size: 45 1/2 in. x 18 1/2 in. x 15 in. (115.57 cm x 46.99 cm x 38.1 cm)
Gift of Captain Clayton L. Miller and the Asian Arts Council, 1979:18.1
Zuijin are Shinto protector deities modeled after two of the most powerful positions within the Heian period (794–1185) court, the Sa-daijin, “Minister of the Left,” andU-daijin, “Minister of the Right,” also the captain of the imperial bodyguards.
They are characterized as two male courtiers of different age: the younger officer is depicted with his mouth closed, and his elder counterpart is shown with his mouth slightly open. Zuijin are perceived as Shinto equivalents and manifestations of Buddhist Nio guardian deities, for both share the same closed- and open-mouth pairing, and both flank the entrances to a place of worship.
Each standing on top of a tiger pelt, these two sculpted figures are dressed in courtier's attire of the highest rank, with kanmuri court caps adorned with oikake semi-circular side blinders.
