A superb bronze of excellent design in which unusual proportions are balanced and dignified by artistic eloquence. Evoking the richness and glory of the deity, the scattered gilding scintillates and sparkles with highlights on the tips of fingers, the celestial scarf, points of the crown and details the roaring lion. The fleshy face of Vaisharavana shows the Indian origin of the god, who is adorned with golden earrings and jeweled necklaces, a high crown with the front engraved with the triratna, the three jewels--the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha. An impressive work of great integrity, full of energy and endowed with a great sense of personal interaction, as the god seems to be speaking to the viewer.

Vashraivana, lord of the north, is the best known of the four Divine Kings. He is lord of the Yakshas, semi-divine beings who live underground in the Himalayas where they protect the wealth of the earth (gems, gold, silver, etc.). Like their leader, they have all fat bellies and plump legs. Vashraivana is said to have performed austerities for a thousand years; for his devotion Brahma made him the god of wealth. He is guardian of all the treasures of the earth which he distributes according to the destiny of the receivers. He has under his command twenty-eight messengers and rules over the city north of the Crystal Peak Mountain which is supremely beautiful and richly decorated with precious jewels.