Preview
Document Type
Image
Publication Date
11-1-1991
Abstract
Bishamon-ten, Guardian King of the North Japanese, 1420-1500 C.E. carved wood with traces of pigment Gift of Arthur E. Klauser '45, 1991.11.140a-b
Recommended Citation
Museum, Emison, "Bishamon-ten, Guardian King of the North" (1991). Shidzuo Iikubo '23 Asian Art Gallery. 11, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/iikubo/11
COinS
Comments
Bishamon-ten, Guardian King of the North Known as Bishamon-ten in Japan, where he is the only Shitennō worshipped individually, Tamon-ten is the omniscient leader of the Shitennō and the most powerful of them. As the protector of Buddhism and its faithful, he is the patron of warriors, the punisher of evil-doers, and one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods – the bringer of wealth and prosperity. He is portrayed here holding a trident - symbolizing triumph over ignorance - and a miniature stupa (a structure that houses religious relics), representing Buddhist thought and the treasures of Buddha’s teachings, which Bishamon-ten both protects and dispenses to the worthy.