Guardian Figure, by anonymous, 1800 - 1900
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Guardian Figure

Also titled Wachterfiguur

anonymous

1800 - 1900

Medium
paper, ink, dye
Classification
painting
Dimensions
height 118.5 cm x width 63 cm x depth 2.3 cm x length 118 cm x width 62.5 cm
Museum
Rijksmuseum
Credit line
On loan from the Royal Asian Art Society in The Netherlands (purchase Felix Tikotin, 1947)
Rights
Public Domain Mark, as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the Rijksmuseum

About this work

This painting was part of a set of four, each one portraying a protective deity. They were used in temples as hanging banners during outdoor public rituals. The muscular figure wields a large vajra. Derived from an Indian weapon, this implement represents not only the indestructibility of Buddhist law but also the power of Buddha in overcoming evil.