Bishamonten, Guardian of the North

Period Kamakura Period (Japan, 1185 - 1333)

Place of OriginJapan

Dateabout 1250-1300

Dimensions73 × 34 × 23 1/2 in. (185.4 × 86.4 × 59.7 cm)

MediumHinoki wood with lacquer paste and traces of gilding

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of The Georgia Welles Apollo Society

Object number

2008.118

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 35

Label TextFerocious 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).Published ReferencesPaine, Robert Treat and Soper, Alexander, The Art and Architecture of Japan, Yale University Press, Princeton, 1992.

Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Museum of Art Masterworks, Toledo, 2009, p. 38, repr. (col.).

Reich, Paula, Toledo Museum of Art: Map and Guide, London, Scala, 2009, p. 12, repr. (col.)

Exhibition HistoryToledo, Toledo Museum of Art, Inspired Giving: The Apollo Society 25th Anniversary Exhibition, October 15, 2010-February 13, 2011, p. 40, repr. (col.) p. 40.Comparative ReferencesSee also Sano, Emily and Nishikawa, Kyotaro. The Great Age of Japanese Buddhist Sculpture, AD 600-1300, Japan Society, New York, 1982.