Antique Muromachi Japanese Carved Vaishravana Tamonten Shitenno Wood Statue 多聞天

Antique Japanese Carved Shitenno StatueBishamonten 多聞天Protector of The World NorthCirca: Muromachi period, 1392-1573Statue: H 11 in. (28cm), W 4.75 in. (12cm), D 4 in. (10cm)Pedestal: H 3.75 in. (9.5cm), W 7.25 in. (18cm), D 6 in. (15cm)Aged with wormholes, overall fair to good condition Dharmapalas are warrior guardians of the four directions. They were introduced to China in the seventh century by a Cingalese Buddhist monk Pu Kung. The four Deva Kings soon became popular temple guardians in Japan. Among the four, Bishamonten is the only guardian worshipped independently. He is frequently portrayed as the God of Wealth riding on a snow lion, or typically trampling an evil spirit. Here the Deva King is depicted in a finely observed full suit of armor, with arms crossed near his chest, wearing a pair of high boots, standing with legs firmly apart above a Shishi Lion pedestal, the facial expression of Bishamonten is both serene and dignified. The statue is artfully sculpted with the ichi