Guardian King of the North (Bishamonten)
Unknown Artist
1185–1333
Medium
wood with gold polychromy
Dimensions
76.8 × 28.6 cm · base: h. 5.2 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
James Parmelee and Cornelia Blakemore Warner Funds
Accession Number
1959.135
About this artwork
In Buddhism, Bishamonten is one of four kings who protect the cardinal directions. He stands with a stupa symbolizing the Buddhist teachings and relics of the Buddha in the palm of his left hand, and a spear to foil the enemies of Buddhism in his right. He crushes a demon beneath his feet.