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The Buddhist guardian king Virupaksha
The Buddhist guardian king Virupaksha

The Buddhist guardian king Virupaksha

Place of OriginTsang, Tibet; Tsang
Date1995
MaterialsColors on unfired clay
DimensionsH. 17 1/2 in x W. 10 1/2 in x D. 5 in, H. 44.5 cm x W. 26.7 cm x D. 12.7 cm
Credit LineGift of Thomas Murray in honor of Glenn and Joan Vinson
Object numberF2013.56.12.a-.c
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view
Text Entries
Virupaksha, whose name means “the all seeing one,” is guardian of the west. Around him twines a snake representative of nagas, the snake-like shape-shifters over whom he presides. This guardian king rules the element of fire, which is associated with the eye (aksha) in classical Indian philosophy.