 | Antique
Japanese Carved Wood Statue
Bishamonten
Trampling on Demon
Origin:
Japan. Circa: Edo, 19th Century
H
9.75 in.(24.8cm), W 3.5 in.(9cm), D 2.5 in.(6.3cm)
Measurement
not including rectangle wood base
Condition: minor imperfections, overall
good! Originated
in Indian mythology as Kubera, the Guardian of the North, Bishamonten is widely
worshiped as the God of War, and the God of Wealth. Since the eighth century he
is commonly celebrated as an independent deity, with numerous temples of his own
throughout Japan. Dressed in an elaborate full suit of armour over a twirling
robe, with two large wind-blown sleeves like wings to his back, where mounted
a thin copper halo, which accentuates Bishamonten’s serene and dignified facial
expression. He is holding a (replacement) weapon in his right hand, and his left
originally held a stupa. The God of War is wearing a pair of high boots, standing
legs firmly apart and trampling above a chubby demon on a protruding rock. This
artfully sculpted statue is an ultra fine specimen clearly came from the hands
of an able carver from the Edo eras. 
Private Collection
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