One of the Four Heavenly Kings 12th century Japan This pair of statues (with 1975.268.165) are from a set of four. Originally Hindu demigods, the Guardian Kings of the Four Directions, or Shitenn, were absorbed into the Buddhist pantheon as protectors of Buddhist teachings, the temple, and the nation. In China, such statues were usually positioned near temple entrances, but in Japan they more often surrounded the central deity on the main altar. These ferocious figures nearly always wear armor, carry weapons or other attributes (now lost), and stand in dynamic poses rather than static postures of ease or meditation. Each carved from a single block of wood, their muscular forms retain the strength of early Heian-period style. Only the arms, now missing, were carved separately.. One of the Four Heavenly Kings. Japan. 12th century. Wood with traces of color. Heian period (794-1185). Sculpture

Brand: PL Photography Limited
SKU: 6145-29740775
Availability: InStock

One of the Four Heavenly Kings 12th century Japan This pair of statues (with 1975.268.165) are from a set of four. Originally Hindu demigods, the Guardian Kings of the Four Directions, or Shitenn, were absorbed into the Buddhist pantheon as protectors of Buddhist teachings, the temple, and the nation. In China, such statues were usually positioned near temple entrances, but in Japan they more often surrounded the central deity on the main altar. These ferocious figures nearly always wear armor, carry weapons or other attributes (now lost), and stand in dynamic poses rather than static postures of ease or meditation. Each carved from a single block of wood, their muscular forms retain the strength of early Heian-period style. Only the arms, now missing, were carved separately.. One of the Four Heavenly Kings. Japan. 12th century. Wood with traces of color. Heian period (794-1185). Sculpture

SuperStock offers millions of photos, videos, and stock assets to creatives around the world. This image of One of the Four Heavenly Kings 12th century Japan This pair of statues (with 1975.268.165) are from a set of four. Originally Hindu demigods, the Guardian Kings of the Four Directions, or Shitenn, were absorbed into the Buddhist pantheon as protectors of Buddhist teachings, the temple, and the nation. In China, such statues were usually positioned near temple entrances, but in Japan they more often surrounded the central deity on the main altar. These ferocious figures nearly always wear armor, carry weapons or other attributes (now lost), and stand in dynamic poses rather than static postures of ease or meditation. Each carved from a single block of wood, their muscular forms retain the strength of early Heian-period style. Only the arms, now missing, were carved separately.. One of the Four Heavenly Kings. Japan. 12th century. Wood with traces of color. Heian period (794-1185). Sculpture by Piemags/PL Photography Limited is available for licensing today.

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