Caption

Weituo — protector of Buddhist learning and monasteries., Figurine, Chinese, Chinese Buddhism. Guardian deity/bodhisattva iconography: Weituo preserves Buddhist teachings and protects monasteries; tradition says he fought demons trying to steal Buddha's relics and is depicted as a general wearing a high helmet and full chain-mail armor, secured at the waist with a belt adorned with a monster's head, usually shown with a sword. Sculpture, 15th–16th century, China. Dimensions: height 32.0 cm; width 15.8 cm; depth 10.5 cm., A carved statue of a standing figure is centered on a raised base against a neutral background; the figure appears in dark brown tones with lighter brown highlights on carved details, and there are traces of golden or gilt color in some of the raised areas. The figure wears layered, ornate armor and draped decorative elements that cascade down to the feet, with sculpted patterns and relief work across the torso and skirt area. One hand is raised near the face while the other holds a curved object resting over the shoulder; flowing ribbons or sashes extend from the shoulders and sides. The face has pronounced eyes, a rounded nose, and a small closed mouth, and the head is crowned with a decorative headdress. The base is a darker brown with a slightly worn surface and a simple curved apron edge. The background gradients from medium gray at the top to lighter gray toward the lower area.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A22_235

License type

Rights managed

Available size

73.6Mb (1.1Mb) / 14.3in x 20.0in / 4286 x 6000 (300dpi)

Keywords

Weituo protector Buddhist learning monasteries Figurine Chinese Chinese Buddhism Guardian deity bodhisattva iconography preserves Buddhist teachings protects monasteries tradition says fought demons trying steal Buddha's relics depicted general wearing high helmet full chain-mail armor secured waist belt adorned monster's head usually shown sword Sculpture 15th–16th century China Dimensions height 32.0 cm width 15.8 cm depth 10.5 cm carved statue standing figure centered raised base neutral background figure dark brown tones lighter highlights carved details traces golden gilt color raised areas wears layered ornate armor draped decorative elements cascade down feet sculpted patterns relief work across torso skirt area hand raised near face holds curved object resting shoulder flowing ribbons sashes extend shoulders sides pronounced eyes rounded nose small closed mouth head crowned decorative headdress base darker brown slightly worn surface simple curved apron edge background gradients medium gray top lighter gray lower area.