cast bronze head of a deva with gold colored irises; large, downward cast eyes with flecks of gold in irises, hairy, frowning eyebrows; wide open, somewhat smiling sinister mouth; flared nostrils, exaggerated cheek bones; large ears; swirling, yet tamed hair

Head of one of the Four Heavenly King (Shitennō), 17th - 19th century

expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

This head was once part of a monumental bronze sculpture of a group of four guardian figures known collectively as the Caturmahārāja, or Four Heavenly Kings. Known in Japanese as Shitennō, they guard the four cardinal directions. These protective deities are believed to safeguard the world and Buddhist teachings from evil, and are usually represented as muscular warriors wearing elaborate suits of armor and carrying weapons and other objects. Although each of the guardians is depicted with unique implements and appearances, this figure’s specific identity is unknown, since only the head remains.

Details
Title
Head of one of the Four Heavenly King (Shitennō)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.31.183
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

cast bronze head of a deva with gold colored irises; large, downward cast eyes with flecks of gold in irises, hairy, frowning eyebrows; wide open, somewhat smiling sinister mouth; flared nostrils, exaggerated cheek bones; large ears; swirling, yet tamed hair