Yesterday, I came across this picture of a Shinto deity in human form. It caught my eye, and as it goes, this picture is in the public domain. As I return to my Shinto posting, I have been looking for a visual icon to use for these posts. This may well be one to use.

Apparently, it dates from 794–1185. As the Metropolitan Museum of Art catalog states:

This small statue of a seated courtier is a classic example of a Shinto deity (kami) represented in human form. The artist constructed it through the ichiboku-zukuri (single-block) method, which uses one piece of wood for the entire sculpture. Despite the insect damage throughout (common in Shinto statues of this period), the exposed wood grain—symmetrically centered on the face—gives the work a dramatic effect and strong presence.

Even in picture form, I agree. Its countenance catches the eye.