Introduction to the Arts: Analysis of Bishamonten

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Vaishravana (Bishamonten), Guardian King of the North Artist not known Edo Period (1615-1868), Japan 1615-1700 Gold and colored paint on lacquered wood statue with ornate and intricate carving. Asian Art Museum, Civic Center, San Francisco Bishamonten stands proud with a foot firmly stepped upon a demon; In his left hand he holds a miniature stupa and in his right a golden spear pointed up towards the sky. This piece has an ethereal feel, it is handsomely ornate and divinely crafted. The rich attention to detail is both exquisite and represents a fundamental design aspect of Japanese art and culture. His face holds a menacing glance as his eyes look downward. When you look into his eyes they appear so fierce its as if he is judging your soul. His arms are raised in battle stance and the posing causes the art to feel as if it were in motion and alive. He wears multiple layers of celestial-like robes and sashes colored in varying hues of blue. Atop his robes is a set of heavy armor that is colored red, yellow, and dark blue. He is depicted as otherworldly, while his bodily proportions are realistic his other features are not based in reality. For instance, his eyes have no pupils and he is facing off against a demon. The pedestal of the statue is carved into organic free forms, below the demon, which resemble clouds. These feelings of divination, levitation, and celestial presence gives the art a god-like quality. It is a statue representation of the Buddhist god, Bishamonten (Guardian King of the North), of wealth, victory, and good fortune. In his right hand he holds a stupa which symbolizes the knowledge of Buddhism and the achievement of enlightenment. The spear he holds as well as the position in which he holds it in show... ... middle of paper ... ...one. Even though his pose is off balance it remains very orderly. The top of his head lines up perfectly with his facial features, navel, and the ground confirming the presence of an axis mundi. This gives it a divine quality because organic forms do not achieve such perfection. It is a three dimensional freestanding sculpture and has a complex shape, especially when silhouetted. The motifs and aesthetics of this piece are heavily stylized. The posing of this sculpture has very active movement and carries a sense of fluidity and control. The warrior god appears powerful, restrained, and delicate all at the same time. This portrayal delivers appealing qualities of Buddhist enlightenment, the ultimate level of self-restraint over physical and mental prowesses. The sculpture has been crafted by being delicately carved out of wood. This gives it a natural aesthetic

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