Description

Antique Japanese carved wood figure of the esoteric Guardian of Buddhism, Fudō Myō-ō. The figure is simultaneously finely detailed and charmingly primitive adding to the authentic spirit of this Shingon temple guardian.

Also called Acala Vidyarāja (Sanskrit meaning unmovable king of esoteric knowledge), Fudō (sometimes simply called Fudō san in Japan) is usually the central figure in depictions of the five Wisdom Kings (Vidyarāja, Myōō). The purpose of his frightening appearance is to urge unbelievers into following Buddhist Law specifically the teachings of Dainichi Nyorai. Fudō Myō-ō, also a messenger and a destroyer of obstacles, holds a rope in his left hand which he uses to catch and bind demons and a sword “kurikara” in his right hand which he uses to “subdue” the demons. His fangs point in different directions, one pointing upward represents his service to the truth, the one pointing downward represents his compassion for the suffering of humans.

Age: Edo Period (1602-1868)

Dimensions: 16 1/4″ high x 8″ wide x 6 1/4″ deep