Door Guardian, Mahakala

Description

The natural stance of this richly adorned figure indicates that he served as an attendant: the face turns to his right, while his midsection turns to the left, and the weight is on his right leg. A plain ovoid halo indicates that he is divine. The broken right hand may have held an implement or weapon that would aid in a more precise identification.

Provenance

Dr. Norman Zaworski [1920-2013], Cleveland, OH, gift to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?-1980); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1980-)

Door Guardian, Mahakala

[]

800s

Accession Number

1980.203

Medium

volcanic stone

Dimensions

Overall: 61.3 x 32.4 cm (24 1/8 x 12 3/4 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski