Toshodaiji Temple Lecture Hall: Dhrtarastra and Virudhaka

JAPAN, Nara; Nara period

These sculptures from the second half of the 8th century stand to the right and left of the Maitreya Buddha in Toshodaiji Temple’s lecture hall. They are carved from complete cypress wood blocks with some later additions. The figures of the evil spirits on which they trample are from modern times. The wood grain was left to play its part in the detailing except for the painting of the hair, eyes, and lips. This pair of figures is listed as an Important Cultural Property.
The top-knotted Heavenly Kings have protruding eyes and angry expressions. Their short and sturdy bodies wear wide-sleeved robes beneath full suits of armor. They posture with right arm raised and left arm extending downward as if holding a weapon. The ropes tied across the knees accentuate the depth and three-dimensional texture of the realistically crafted robe as it emerges from the surcoat. The ornamental patterns on the armor include clearly carved animal motifs and auspicious flowers. The statues appear to be influenced by Tang dynasty (618–907) models, judging by the band of cloth worn round Virudhaka’s chest and the hanging stole cinched at his waist, among other features.