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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
LocationGallery 26
More Information

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.