Minneapolis Institute of Art

Akiba Gongen, Manifestation of Mount Akiba

Japan

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Wood with polychrome and gold

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The deity Akiba Gongen is worshipped as a protector against fire. He is commonly portrayed as a figure with elements of the Shinto beings called tengu, the Buddhist Wisdom King Fudō Myōō, and the Hindu goddess Dakini. Tengu are fierce, winged goblins with sharp beaks and a human body. Like the Buddhist Wisdom King Fudō Myōō, Akiba Gongen is dressed as a Buddhist monk and holds a double-edged sword and a rope. Like Dakini, he rides on a white fox and flies through the sky.

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