Artwork Page for Gozu Tennō (Ox-Headed Plague Deity)

Details / Information for Gozu Tennō (Ox-Headed Plague Deity)

Gozu Tennō (Ox-Headed Plague Deity)

牛頭天王尊像

1100s

Japan, Heian period

(794–1185)
Medium
Wood with traces of color
Measurements
22.5 x 18 x 9.6 cm (8 7/8 x 7 1/16 x 3 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Lillian M. Kern Memorial Fund 2025.10
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
235A Japanese
Print
?

Did You Know?

The Gion Festival in Kyoto is related to belief in Gozu Tennō.

Description

Gozu Tennō is a deity who is capable of both bringing epidemics and dispelling them. His name is literally “Ox-Headed Celestial King.” He usually has three heads with an ox-head rising above his primary face. He sometimes holds a lasso and sword or an ax, but here holds his hands in a powerful gesture that may be designed to repel illness or promote healing.
A weathered wood sculpture depicts a figure seated cross-legged on a blocky base. With a furrowed brow and open mouth, the figure stares forward, arms crossed over the chest. Three heads are visible, surmounted by an ox head. Visible grain and holes texture the wood, which retains traces of red and white pigment. The central face expresses fierce intensity, flanked by smaller heads, beneath the animal crest.

Gozu Tennō (Ox-Headed Plague Deity)

1100s

Japan, Heian period (794–1185)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

    Update or Correct Artwork Information

    Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

    Report a Website Issue

    Further Questions About This Artwork