Komoku-ten, Guardian of the West, one of a set of four Shitenno (Guardian Figures)

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    1185-1333
  • Geography

    Japan
  • Material

    Sculpture; wood and polychrome with gilt, crystal-inlaid eyes
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 66 × 33 × 19 cm (26 × 13 × 7 1/2 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1976.12
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1976.12

Object Details

  • Label

    Komokuten (Virupaksa), Guardian of the West, is one of a set of four Shitenno (guardian figures). The four images would have been placed within a temple sanctuary protecting one or more centralized Buddhist images. They were created and positioned to be viewed frontally as a logical and dynamic composition. Here, Komoku-ten (west), holds a writing brush and sutra scroll. Each figure stands on a writhing demon, symbolizing dominance over any enemies of Buddhism.
    Based on varied devotional settings, the four guardian figures hav been produced in many sizes, from more than double the size of a human, to the diminutive forms seen here, to even smaller. These lithe, animated figures are excellent examples of a hyperrealistic style that came to prominence in Japanese Buddhist sculpture in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    The Historical Buddha and Friends (November 3, 2018 to May 5, 2019)
    In the Shadow of an Apocalypse (October 14, 2017 to October 28, 2018)
    Religious Art of Japan (December 18, 2002 to January 4, 2015)
    Japanese Art (March 12, 1982 to November 3, 1986)
    Japanese Art (June 16, 1982 to September 28, 1982)
    Japanese Art (July 14, 1980 to March 6, 1981)
    A Decade of Discovery: Selected Acquisitions 1970-1980 (November 9, 1979 to May 22, 1980)
    Japanese Art (April 11, 1978 to March 6, 1981)
    Harold P. Stern Memorial Exhibition (April 18, 1977 to September 13, 1977)
    Japanese Art (July 1, 1974 to April 10, 1978)
  • Origin

    Japan
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Sculpture
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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