Vaisravana

CHINA; Tang dynasty

This statue of Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North, was brought from the Tang dynasty (618–907) of China to Japan during the early Heian period (794–1185). It was originally kept in the upper level of Rashomon Gate, at Kyoto, as a guardian of the imperial city. The gate was destroyed in 816 and the statue was moved to Toji Temple. Many temples started to imitate its style. This Heavenly King was associated with averting calamities, curing diseases and granting wealth during the late Heian period. The statue was listed as a National Treasure in 1955.
The figure has facial features of the Central Asian people. The high headdress is decorated with a phoenix and warriors in relief. The figure’s eyes are inlaid with obsidian and the ears are adorned with simple studs. The full armor that is decorated with heads of beasts reaches below the knees. A trident was once held in the right hand, while the left hand supported a pagoda, the dowel for which remains. Vaisravana stands astride fanged demons and the Earth Deity appears between them from the undergrowth.