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Work 239 of 485
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* This information may change as the result of ongoing research.
Wisdom King Fudo (Fudo Myo-o)
Japan
Heian period (794–1185)
12th century
Joined-woodblock construction with pigments
H. 63 3/4 in. (162 cm)
Sculpture
The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
1975.268.163
One of the Five Wisdom Kings, Fudo Myo-o is filled with wrath against evil. Serving Dainichi Nyorai, he poises his sword and noose to contain anything that might harm a believer. Size and fearsome physical attributes, including fangs and a half-closed eye that turns inward, command respect, as does the exaggerated length of his limbs. The sculpture, like most Heian pieces, is shallowly carved, emphasizing the volume of the figure. The considerable heft of the shoulders and back planted firmly on stiffened legs is appropriate for a deity whose name means "The Immovable."