
Four Heavenly Kings Sculpture
1. Introduction of Four Heavenly Kings Sculpture The Four Heavenly Kings, originating from the Buddhist Dharma protector system, are four heavenly kings who guard the four directions of the world. In the Buddhist cosmology, they reside on Mount Sumeru, guarding the east, south, west, and north respectively, and are responsible for upholding the Dharma and protecting Buddhist temples. This Four Heavenly Kings Sculpture series features these four Dharma protector kings in a warrior-like style, expressing their “protector” status through their majestic expressions and armor. The figures all wear layered armor, jeweled crowns, and stand on auspicious cloud bases. The overall color scheme is predominantly gold, with different facial paint, ritual implements, and poses distinguishing their identities. The one holding a pipa (a Chinese lute) is the Eastern Heavenly King Dhritarashtra; the one holding a sword is the Southern Heavenly King Virudhaka; the one with dragon-like elements is the Western Heavenly



