Minneapolis Institute of Art

Dragon God with hidden Buddha image

Gyokuzan 玉山

Date

c. 1870

Medium

Polychrome wood with lacquer, bone

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This striking sculpture represents Ryūjin, the Dragon King of the Sea and a revered deity in Japanese mythology. With his fierce red visage, elongated limbs, and elaborate crown of swirling sea forms, Ryūjin is shown in anthropomorphic form—both human and divine. He holds a sacred jewel at his center, symbolizing his power to control the tides and weather. On his back is a dragon that grasps the lotus flower which tops Ryūjin’s crown. The flower can be opened to reveal a hidden meditating Buddha, suggesting that this sculpture was created at a time when the Meiji government tried to break the century-long tradition of Shintō-Buddhist syncretism in favor of Shintō. Asia

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