Horyuji Temple Golden Hall: Vaisravana and Mahadevi

JAPAN, Nara, Ikoma; Heian period

The main Sakyamuni Buddha is accompanied on the right by Vaisravana and by Mahadevi to the left according to the inscription found on the mandorla. Mahadevi is the female deity of good fortune, widely worshipped from the later Heian period (794–1185). The two figures are carved out of whole pieces of cypress wood and the interior hollowed, with some individual details carved separately and later assembled. The original paint and decorations have been preserved well. The statues were listed as National Treasures in 1967.
Vaisravana has a severe expression and wears an openwork triangular crown from which ribbons hang. The hollow nimbus behind his head is in the form of a Dharma wheel with flame designs around the edges. He wears armor over which hangs a mantle. The layered clothing below the waist is secured by a lion-ornamented belt. The right hand is raised with a pagoda resting on it, and together with the trident held in the other hand, these are his normal attributes.
Mahadevi’s hair is tied into a topknot. She wears an ornate headdress with a sunburst behind it, which is also backed by a circular openwork nimbus. In her left hand she holds a pearl supported by a lotus. The figure is clad in an elegant gown with wide sleeves and is considered a portrait of a typical Heian beauty.