2-730-491 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Guardian King of the North (Bishamonten), Kamakura Period (1185-1333). In Buddhism, Bishamonten is one of four kings who protect the cardinal directions. He stands with a stupa symbolizing the Buddhist teachings and relics of the Buddha in the palm of his left hand, and a spear to foil the enemies of Buddhism in his right. He crushes a demon beneath his feet.