Currently not on view
Bishamonten with Zennishi Dōji and a Yaksa (毘沙門天, 善膩師童子,薬叉),
early 14th century
Anonymous
Japanese
Kamakura period, 1185–1333
y1964-187
Information
Title
Bishamonten with Zennishi Dōji and a Yaksa (毘沙門天, 善膩師童子,薬叉)
Dates
early 14th century
Maker
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Dimensions
Painting: 113 x 65.5 cm. (44 1/2 x 25 13/16 in.)
Mount: 215 x 86.5 cm. (84 5/8 x 34 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of McKenzie Lewis Jr.
Object Number
y1964-187
Place Made
Asia, Japan
Description
Bishamonten (Sanskrit: Vaiśravaṇa) is considered the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings. In Japan, he is viewed as the god of war and punisher of evildoers. With a fierce demeanor, he is shown wearing armor (yoroi 鎧), holding a halbard, and carrying a small pagoda. The latter symbolizes the divine treasury of the Buddha’s teachings. Underfoot each foot he tramples a demon, representing the subjugation of evil. Bishamon is also called Tamonten (多聞天 lit. "listening to many teachings") because he serves to guard the places where the Buddha preaches. He is believed on Mount Sumeru and is also associated with Hachiman. In folklore, he is also considered one of the Seven Luck Gods (Shichifukujin 七福神). His son is Zennishi Dōji 善膩師童子. Yasha 夜叉(Skt.: Yaksha) are fierce warriors that protect the the Buddha’s teachings and guardian spirits of the natural world.
Culture
Period
Materials
- "Acquisitions of 1964", Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University 24, no. 1 (1965): p. 20-23., p. 22
- Patrick J. Kelleher, "College museum notes", Art Journal 24, no. 4 (Summer, 1965): p. 356-379., p. 362
- Allen Rosenbaum and Francis F. Jones, Selections from The Art Museum, Princeton University, (Princeton, NJ: The Art Museum, Princeton University, 1986), p. 121 (illus.)
