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The Guardian King Bishamonten

12th century
Not on view
Bishamonten (Sanskrit: Vaishravana), the Guardian King of the North, is one of the four protectors of the cardinal directions, who, together with eight other fearsome kings, comprise the Twelve Devas (Jūniten) of Esoteric Buddhism. Eight of them protect the eight directions, and the remaining four symbolize heaven, earth, the sun, and the moon. Bishamonten is considered the most powerful of the Guardian Kings, as his direction—North—is associated with danger.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 毘沙門天像
  • Title: The Guardian King Bishamonten
  • Period: Heian period (794–1185)
  • Date: 12th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Wood with color, gold leaf, and lacquer
  • Dimensions: Figure: H. 21 11/16 in. (55.1 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); D. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm)
    Figure with sculptural base: H. 24 in. (61 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); D. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)
    Figure w/sculptural base & staff: H. 29 1/8 in. (74 cm)
    Total w/modern base: H. 25 1/4 in. (64.1 cm); W. 11 in. (27.9 cm); D. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
    Total: H. 30 1/2 in. (77.5 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1959
  • Object Number: 59.137.2a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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