Virudhaka – Guardians King of the South
See it in the Museum
Reception desk
Orientation 2
Wall object 6
ABR 091
Code: ABR 091
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1500 - 1600
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 34 x 48
Materials: Gilt copper repoussé
Virudhaka – Guardian king of the South
This embossed gilt copper head represents a wrathful face with blazing hair, eyebrows and beard. Wearing a frown, he keeps his eyes wide opened in an intense stare. Biting his lower lip, he reveals pointy teeth. His helmet consists of a makara sea monster’s tail allowing us to identify him with certainty.
This head bearing an awe-inspiring expression belongs to Virudhaka, whose Tibetan name signifies “Noble birth.” He is one of the four Lokapalas, the “Guardians Kings of the Four Directions,” also called the “Guardians of the World”. As guardian king of the south, he is of blue complexion and is traditionally figured unsheathing his sword.
The group of four Lokapalas are traditionally painted on the entrance walls of Tibetan temples, on both sides of the gates. Quite terrifying in their martial appearance, they strictly guard the entrance to the holy places.
This embossed gilt copper head represents a wrathful face with blazing hair, eyebrows and beard. Wearing a frown, he keeps his eyes wide opened in an intense stare. Biting his lower lip, he reveals pointy teeth. His helmet consists of a makara sea monster’s tail allowing us to identify him with certainty.
This head bearing an awe-inspiring expression belongs to Virudhaka, whose Tibetan name signifies “Noble birth.” He is one of the four Lokapalas, the “Guardians Kings of the Four Directions,” also called the “Guardians of the World”. As guardian king of the south, he is of blue complexion and is traditionally figured unsheathing his sword.
The group of four Lokapalas are traditionally painted on the entrance walls of Tibetan temples, on both sides of the gates. Quite terrifying in their martial appearance, they strictly guard the entrance to the holy places.