Armored Guardian King (Tianwang) Trampling Demon
Tang dynasty (618–907), first half of 8th century
Medium
Earthenware with three-color (sancai) lead glazes
Dimensions
H.: 94 cm (37 in.)
Classification
earthenware
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
129758
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This clay figure depicting the evil-quelling guardian king is one of a pair. Images of such guardian kings, or Tianwang, have appeared both in and beyond China. In Indian mythology, these deities were believed to watch over the four directional quarters of the universe. Devotees of Buddhism adopted and popularized guardian kings throughout Central and East Asia. In Tang-dynasty China, images of these guardian kings, seen as embodiments of cosmic power, were installed to defend both secular and r...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...