Joruriji Temple Main Hall: Four Heavenly Kings

JAPAN, Kyoto, Kizugawa; Heian period

These life-sized statues of the Four Heavenly Kings stand in the four corners of the main hall, and they range between 167 cm and 170 cm high. The trunks of the statues are formed using many pieces of hollowed cypress wood joined together. Carved near the start of the 12th century, they were recognized as National Treasures in 1953.
Scowling fiercely, the decoratively armored figures trample demons beneath their feet. The swing of their garments gives a sense of vigorous movement. The surrounding flames were a later addition to their nimbus, which is supported by an interior column behind them. Their hair is bundled into a topknot and encircled with floral-shaped accessories. They are differentiated by their attributes: Virupaksa holds a trident in his left hand and a snare in his right hand; Vaisravana carries a pagoda in his left hand, while the right hand carries a staff. The surfaces are painted mainly in vermilion and green, with some gold foil, picking out details of clothing and ornamentation.