Songgwangsa Temple Heavenly King Gate: Four Heavenly Kings

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Suncheon; Joseon dynasty

These statues were made in 1628 according to the temple records. They have been restored a number of times and14 ancient documents were recovered from inside them. They are located behind palings inside the entry gate where they act as Dharma protectors to ward off evil spirits. They were listed as Treasure No. 1467 in 2006.
All four figures wear ferocious expressions and have beards and mustaches. Each holds an attribute in hand: Virudhaka carries a sword; Dhrtarastra plays a lute; Virupaksa has a pearl between finger and thumb; and Vaisravana supports a banner. Flames rise from the flying stole behind their heads to form a nimbus. The ornate crowns they wear are decorated with flowers, clouds, and blazing sun ornaments. A colorful cape is knotted at the neck and worn over the armor.