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Bishamonten, Guardian of the North
Period: Kamakura Period (Japan, 1185 - 1333)
Date: about 1250-1300
Dimensions:
75 × 39 × 30 in. (190.5 × 99.1 × 76.2 cm)
Medium: Hinoki wood with lacquer paste and traces of gilding
Place of Origin: Japan
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of The Georgia Welles Apollo Society
Object number: 2008.118
Label Text:Ferocious Bishamonten is one of four guardian figures placed at the corners of the main altar in a Buddhist temple. These figures correspond to the four cardinal directions, with Bishamonten representing the north. Bishamonten originated as a deity in Indian mythology and came to Japan with many attributes: guardian of the realm of the North, guardian of Buddhist law, god of victory in war, and god of wealth and good fortune. He is also one of the seven lucky gods of Japan.
This is a remarkable example of the sculpture of the Kamakura period in Japan, which is characterized by a strong sense of movement, large free-flowing elements, and a new sense of realism. Here, Bishamonten stands on a northern mountaintop with his left hand raised to hold a small pagoda (now missing), symbolic of a treasure house. His raised right arm with curled fist once held a spear. His billowing sleeves suggest movement and the demon mask at his waist denotes the subjugation of evil. Traces of gilding remain and decorative patterns have been worked onto the surface with lacquer paste (lacquer juice mixed with a ground stone powder).
This is a remarkable example of the sculpture of the Kamakura period in Japan, which is characterized by a strong sense of movement, large free-flowing elements, and a new sense of realism. Here, Bishamonten stands on a northern mountaintop with his left hand raised to hold a small pagoda (now missing), symbolic of a treasure house. His raised right arm with curled fist once held a spear. His billowing sleeves suggest movement and the demon mask at his waist denotes the subjugation of evil. Traces of gilding remain and decorative patterns have been worked onto the surface with lacquer paste (lacquer juice mixed with a ground stone powder).
On view
In Collection(s)