Head of a Guardian, 13th century. Hinoki wood with lacquer on cloth, pigment, rock crystal, metal. Before entering most Japanese Buddhist temples, visitors must pass large and imposing sculptures of ferocious guardian figures whose role is to protect the premises from the enemies of the religion. The aggressive stances and exaggerated facial features of these figures stand in sharp contrast to the calm demeanor of the Buddha enshrined inside. Brooklyn Museum
The Ashikaga shogunate , also known as the Muromachi shogunate , was the feudal military government of Japan during the Muromachi period from 1336 to 1573.
Marker for the site of the Flower Palace, Kyoto