The guardian deity of Buddhism transmitted from India. Belonging to the Four Heavenly Kings, he is also known as "Tamonten." In ancient times, he was revered by samurai warlords as a god of military fortune. He is depicted as a warrior with a spear in his right hand and a stupa in his left.
The statue has been finished in an elegant and serene gold color reminiscent of silk. Drawing parallels with deities from India and China that once reached Japan via the Silk Road. The understated yet rich luster makes it a suitable addition to interior decor.
Shuun Makita (牧田秀雲) is a celebrated Buddhist sculptor in Japan. Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1917, at a very young age he studied under Yokohama sculptor Hideaki Mochizuki in 1932. After this, he carved shrine and temple sculptures as well as Buddhist statues all over the country, including in the bell tower and main hall of the Higashi-Kanagawa Kodo Buddhist Fellowship. His efforts culminated in his receiving of a letter of appreciation from the governor, when he exhibited at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, for the preservation of excellent works of traditional techniques. He is also known for the reproduction of Japan's Important Cultural Property, Namikiri Fudoson, Koyasan Nan-In Temple, Wakayama Prefecture and the production of Ji-shu Buddhism founder Ippen Shonin standing statues at Sumiyoshi Temple and Kyojuji Temple, Tomobe, Ibaraki Prefecture.