Dvarapala (Door Guardian), c. 14th-15th century
Unknown artist, Indonesiaexpand_more
Andesiteexpand_more
The Helen Jones Fund for Asian Art and the Ruth B. Anderson Memorial Endowment for Asian Artexpand_more 2023.53
On View in Gallery 230expand_more
On the Indonesian island of Java, Buddhist and Hindu temples both adopted the Indian architectural trope of the guardian figure. These statues flanked the entrances of temple complexes to protect the inner sanctum and mark the threshold between the sacred and profane. This sculpture of a Dvarapala (dvara meaning “door,” and pala meaning “protector”) was carved from a soft volcanic stone indigenous to Java. With fierce expression (bulging eyes, glaring fangs) and firmly grasping a club, Dvarapalas became increasingly popular during the rule of the Majapahit dynasty (1293–1526) in eastern Java.
Details
- Title
- Dvarapala (Door Guardian)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2023.53
- Curator Approved
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