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Heavenly King Virudhaka

增長天王

1368–1644
(1368–1644)
hanging scroll; color on silk
Painting only: 110 x 75.2 cm (43 5/16 x 29 5/8 in.); Overall: 243 x 95 cm (95 11/16 x 37 3/8 in.)
Worcester R. Warner Collection 1918.544
Location: not on view
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Did You Know?

The king's attribute is a sword carried in his right hand to protect the southern continent and the dharma, or Buddhist teaching.

Description

Virudhaka, Lokapala or Heavenly King of the South, is one of four guardians placed at the entrance of Buddhist temple halls or hung on all four sides of an altar for protection against evil spirits. Having a blue face, Virudhaka wears armor and holds a sword. Demons flank the deity: one with open mouth and three eyes whirls a banner and holds a snake; the other has a dragon slung around his neck.
Heavenly King Virudhaka

Heavenly King Virudhaka

1368–1644

China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

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