Bishamonten, the Guardian of the North, late 13th century
Circle of Higo Busshi Jōkeiexpand_more
Japanese cypress wood with polychrome, cut gold-leaf, and inlaid crystal; metalexpand_more
Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundationexpand_more 2015.79.260a-f
Not on Viewexpand_more
In Hindu mythology, each of the four directions is protected by a specific god. These four gods were incorporated into Buddhism as guardian kings at an early period and came to be known in Sanskrit as Lokapalas, or Shiten’nō in Japanese. This sculpture of a warrior represents Bishamonten, the Guardian of the North. The north was believed to be the most dangerous of the cardinal directions and so its protector, Bishamonten, is the strongest of the four guardian kings. Here, wearing heavy armor and carrying a lance and miniature stupa, Bishamonten stands atop two demons, representing threats from the North that he has overpowered.
Details
- Title
- Bishamonten, the Guardian of the North
- Artist Life
- 1184 - after 1256
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2015.79.260a-f
- 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.
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