Nisonin Temple
Main Image Standing Four Heavenly Kings (Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten) Category Tenbu (Deva)
Impression TagsPowerDignitySolemnity
DescriptionFour wooden Heavenly Kings stand in Nisonin's Kengoden Hall, guarding the pair of principal Buddhas, both Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten are designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Yamaguchi Prefecture; they measure 58.7, 54.8, 56.5 and 57.4 cm respectively. Believed to date from the Koan era (1278–1287) of the Kamakura period, they are carved from joined cypress wood with crystal eyes and feature vivid body colors and dynamic poses as they trample demons. Their poses, colors and attributes resemble the Four Heavenly Kings once worshipped in Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall, making them rare examples of that sculptural type. They can be worshipped together with the principal images during a special priest-guided viewing in Kengoden Hall.
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