Zōchōten (virudhaka) - Heavenly King, Polychrome Wood, Japan, Edo Era, 18th / 19th Century.

This polychrome wooden sculpture depicts one of the four heavenly kings - Zōchōten (Sanskrit. Virudhaka). He is the traditional guardian of the South and was placed on this side of the Buddhist temple world. The oldest statue depicting the Zōchōten in Japan dates from the 7th century and is found at Hōryūji Temple in Nara. His name literally means "he who leads to growth, he who enlarges" and is a symbol of spiritual development. The artist captured the character's strong expression, and beautifully rendered the details of the armor (yoroi) and the rooster's head helmet (kabuto). Japan, Edo era, 18th / 19th century. Height 52 cm, width 21 cm, depth 17 cm. Preserved condition as seen in the photographs, good, polychrome losses, in the right hand the original samurai probably held a weapon (traditionally for the Zōchōten a Katana or a Yari spear). Auction information and results: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5294695 https://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/zouchoten.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Four_Heavenly_Kings Free shipping in EU. ! I send parcels by insured courier (DPD or DHL). All items are packaged very carefully.