Shinzo, Shintō deity

Shinzō, in the Shintō religion of Japan, a representation either in painting or sculpture of a kami (god or sacred power).

The Shintō religion did not have a tradition of iconic representation, but under the influence of Buddhism a few anthropomorphic images began to be created in the Heian period (794–1185).

Notable examples are the late 9th-century wooden statues in the Matsunoo Jinja at Kyōto.