Buddhist Guardian, Weituo

Currently not on view

Buddhist Guardian, Weituo

1644-1911

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

According to the Chinese Buddhist tradition, Weituo is a guardian deity credited with fighting off demons that stole the relics of the Buddha. He usually sports the appearance of a general, donning a tall helmet and a full suit of golden armor, secured at the waist with a belt adorned with a demon mask. Here Weituo holds a jeweled sword across both arms, a symbolic weapon that indicates his duty to guard the Buddhist Law.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Buddhist Guardian, Weituo
Weituo

Date:

1644-1911

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Ink and color on silk; framed

Dimensions:

56 1/8 x 29 5/16 inches (142.5 x 74.5 cm) Mount: 59 3/16 x 32 5/16 inches (150.4 x 82 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Purchased with funds contributed by Edward B. Robinette from the Simkhovitch Collection, 1929

Accession Number:

1929-40-209

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

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Currently not on view