Door Guardian, Mahakala
Unknown Artist
800s
Medium
volcanic stone
Dimensions
61.3 × 32.4 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski
Accession Number
1980.203
About this artwork
The natural stance of this richly adorned figure indicates that he served as an attendant: the face turns to his right, while his midsection turns to the left, and the weight is on his right leg. A plain ovoid halo indicates that he is divine. The broken right hand may have held an implement or weapon that would aid in a more precise identification.