An important Ancient Japanese carved wood Buddhist Devine Guardian figure with a helmet adorned with a bird, signed reverse and dating from the Momoyama to the Kamakura period 14th century or earlier. This figure is one of the Jyuni shinsho, the 12 divine generals.

Important signature:
It is hand signed on back in Kanji in black sumi ink with reference to number two to left – likely meaning this statues’ position as second nearest the Buddha likely from an original set of twelve figures.

Quality:
It is in remarkably good condition given its extreme age with upper torso and head completely intact and minor loss to feet. Arms are missing.

Provenance:
Recently acquired from a Kyushu Japan private collection

Dimensions: 9.5 inches high and 4 inches wide

Ancient. Hand-carved. Signed. Only one.

History:
The Kamakura period (Kamakura jidai, 1185-1333) is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo. The period is known for the emergence of the samurai, the warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan.