
Lg Antique Meiji Deva Heavenly King Tamonten Bishamonten Wood Buddha Statue 護世天王
Antique Consecrated Ichiboku-Zukuri StatueShitenno Tamonten 多聞天Dharmapala King of The NorthOrigin: Japanese. Circa: Meiji, 19th CenturyH 21 in. (53 cm) W 11 in. (28 cm) D 9 in. (23 cm)Measurement of statue, not including weaponAged imperfections, overall good condition! Deva Kings originated in India, they were adopted into the Buddhist pantheon in China and Japan in the 6th and 7th century. Where they are venerated as temple guardians and Protectors of the World, Gose Shitenno 護世四天王. They each dwell in and protect one of the four continents surrounding Mt. Sumeru 須弥山. Among the four, Tamonten is the only Deva King worshipped independently in Japan, both as guardian of Buddhist faith and as one of Seven Lucky Gods Shichi Fukujin. There is an array of interests in this vigorous ichiboku-zukuri style single block carving, the Guardian of the North, Tamonten (aka Bishamonten, or in Sanskrit: Vaishravana). At first glance, the Deva King is wearing a small winged helmet on his chignon, wit