Crowned deity in a position of respect

This figure may represent Indra or Brahma-Hindu deities who in Buddhist contexts are powerful but limited and subservient to the Buddha-or one of the four guardian kings of the directions. The sculptor has kept much of the cylindricality of the tree trunk from which the figure was carved. Deep undercutting, however, is especially noticeable from the back. While it is likely the back was never intended to be seen, the sculptor went to some trouble to emphasize its abstract sculptural qualities by swelling and narrowing the figure and blocking out elements of its costume.

The figure would have been lacquered and gilded, but only remnants of these coverings remain. The face has at some time been substantially recarved, presumably because its features had weathered away.