Female Shinto Deity at the UEA, Norwich, UK

myminifactory

This exquisite block carving of polychrome wood showcases a lithe female figure. Her flowing robes are skillfully highlighted by the intricate design, with long sleeves that cover her hands but appear clasped at her waist. Shinto deities were initially absent from art until the foreign influence of Buddhism, introduced in the sixth century, sparked a surge in rival productions of paintings and images. However, imagery never became a core aspect of Shinto worship. Due to the scarcity of iconography, pieces like this are extremely challenging to identify. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory. Through Scan The World, we're creating a digital repository of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access at no cost. Scan The World is an open-source community effort. If you have intriguing items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate.