Lacquered Wooden Japanese Buddhist Statue

[Soshin]

I came across this wooden Buddhist statue while at a local auction house was cleaning out their consignment shop in preparation for a move. The statue was inexpensive but very interesting and impressive.  It is a Japanese Buddhist statue of Tamonten (Snskrit: Vaisravana) the guardian of the north. He is the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings and is blessed with infinite knowledge. He is also known as a protector of warriors. Statue is made from a sold piece of very heavy hardwood. A previous owner dates the statue from the middle of the Edo Period circa 18th Century. I think is likely an example of primitive (folk) art of that period. The statue and wooden base measures 50 cm (20 inches) long by 15 cm (6.0 inches) wide. I am just wanting to share this new acquisition and get some advice on how best to display it in my home study. I was thinking a small table or stand would be good near a hanging scroll. Polite discuss and advice is always welcome. Thank you.   

[Bugyotsuji]

Very interesting. There is a secret in the helmet, linked back to the shell of Genbu from whom Tamonten (or Bishamonten) succeeds. Thanks for sharing this.

 

Oh, and the very best place to put it would be in my house.  (With respect!)

[Viper6924]

A nice sized Bishamonten. As you say, it looks like a piece of folk art.

The flat back suggest that this statue orginally was housed in some sort of zushi.

Bishamonten is usually depicted either holding a small stick/club or a long spear. Depending on which, gives the statue different meanings.

I think you did well 🙂

 

Jan

[Soshin]

Hello Piers D. and Jan,

 

Thanks for the replies.  Jan, unfortunately the right hand of the statue is damaged so it hard to tell if the statue was originally holding a stick/club or a long spear. I also agree it was once housed in zuchi given the flat profile of the back of the statue. Finding a nice antique wooden zuchi that fit the statue might be a good idea.