Otera Yakushi: Four Heavenly Kings

JAPAN, Shimane, Izumo; Heian period

These 9th century statues of the Heavenly Kings, listed as Important Cultural Properties, are carved from whole pieces of wood and have not been hollowed afterwards. The sturdy figures stand astride rocks in their war boots, wearing armor over a long, wide-sleeved tunic. The bodies turn away from the viewer and their attention directed elsewhere. Of the two kings illustrated, Dhrtarastra looks downwards to where the right hand is making a repressive motion. He leans to one side, supported by the trident in the left hand. Virupaksa turns to frown at the scroll raised in his left hand, while the writing brush in his right hand is held more like a sword. A demonic buckle gnaws at his belt.