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Standing guardian king
Standing guardian king

Standing guardian king

Place of OriginJapan
Date794-1333
PeriodHeian period (794-1185) or Kamakura period
MaterialsBronze with gilding
DimensionsH. 6 1/4 in x W. 2 1/2 in x D. 1 1/4 in, H. 15.9 cm x W. 6.3 cm x D. 3.2 cm (figure)
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB62B18
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
Location
  • Gallery Location   Gallery 26
Text Entries

Like the seated bodhisattva displayed at left, this small guardian figure was the principal deity mounted on a kakebotoke, a votive plaque made for use in a Buddhist temple.

 

The figure was cast with an open back and hollow body. One tenon at the top and another at the bottom were used to fasten it to a wooden disk, now lost. The guardian stands with a slight sway to his body and with feet firmly planted on a demon. His raised left hand is clenched, indicating that he originally held a sword or spear.