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The Buddhist guardian king Virupaksha
The Buddhist guardian king Virupaksha

The Buddhist guardian king Virupaksha

Place of OriginTsang, Tibet
Date1995
MaterialsColors on unfired clay
DimensionsH. 17 1/2 in x W. 10 1/2 in x D. 5 in, H. 44.5 cm x W. 26.7 cm x D. 12.7 cm
Credit LineGift of Thomas Murray in honor of Glenn and Joan Vinson
Object numberF2013.56.12
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
On view
LocationGallery 12
More Information
Virupaksha, whose name means “the all seeing one,” is guardian of the west. Around him twines a snake representative of nagas, the snake-like shape-shifters over whom he presides. This guardian king rules the element of fire, which is associated with the eye (aksha) in classical Indian philosophy.