Artwork preview

The Guardian King Bishamonten

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Guardian King Bishamonten, a sculpture depicting a muscular male figure with a stern expression. He wears a helmet-like headpiece and armor consisting of a chest plate, shoulder guards, and a skirt-like lower garment. His right arm is bent, holding a staff with a decorative top; his left arm hangs down. The figure stands on a rocky base, with a rectangular platform at the bottom. The entire sculpture appears to be made of dark-colored stone or wood.

Artwork Details

Date
12th century
Medium
Wood with color, gold leaf, and lacquer
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
323 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette