Bishamonten
Place made:Japan
General region:Asia
Culture: Japanese
Period: Late Heian period
Date: 12th century
Dimensions:
h. 53 in. (134.6 cm); w. 25 in. (63.5 cm); d. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Alice Kleberg Meyer and other Friends of Asian Art
Object number: 88.25
Label Text
The grimacing figure Tamonten, also known as Bishamonten (the Sanskrit name is Vaisravana), is the guardian of the North Quarter of the Buddhist heaven. One of the four guardian kings, he is generally represented bearing a trident spear and holding a pagoda (missing here) in one of his hands. Usually he forms part of groups known as the Four and Twelve Guardians which are placed on the temple dais around the principal Buddhistic image. The present example is typically carved showing precise detail in the Chinese style armour tied with a sash around his waist, his long-sleeved tunic, elaborately knotted hair, and tight leggings.
On view
In Collection(s)
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
