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Vaishravana (Bishamonten), Guardian King of the North
Vaishravana (Bishamonten), Guardian King of the North

Vaishravana (Bishamonten), Guardian King of the North

Place of OriginJapan
Dateapprox. 1615-1700
PeriodEdo period (1615-1868)
MaterialsColors and gold on wood; rock crystal
DimensionsH. 55 in x W. 26 in x D. 19 in, H. 139.7 cm x W. 66.0 cm x D. 48.3 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S170+.a-.b
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
Not on view
More Information
Bishamonten is another name for Tamonten (the Guardian King of the North) -when Tamonten is worshiped independently as the Buddhist god of victory, wealth, and good fortune, he is called Bishamonten. This Bishamonten is depicted as a warrior stepping on a demon, a symbol of evil. He wears armor and holds a spear in his right hand and a stupa in his left.
Subject
  • guardian
  • king
  • warrior
  • demon
  • spear
  • stupa