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Virupaksha, Guardian King of the West
OriginChina
Date17th - 18th century
Dimensions43 × 25 1/2 × 23 in.
MediumClay, polychrome, and stone with wooden base and interior armature
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2010.10
DescriptionThis solid and fleshy sculpture of the guardian king Virupaksha is remarkable for its sophistication, bright colors, and well-preserved state. Such large clay sculptures of the kings of the four cardinal directions, garbed in martial raiment, commonly guard the entrances to temples. What is most unusual for this figure is the large size of the five-leaf crown he wears. The shiny eyes of stone inlay grant the stern three-dimensional image a subtle sense of sentience.Not on view
16th century
18th century
17th - 18th century
ca. 19th century
ca. 16th-17th century
19th century
17th century
18th century
20th century
ca.19th century
18th century