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Important Cultural Property

Rikishi (Guardian)

力士形立像
Rikishi (Guardian) (力士形立像)
PLATE IImage: Nara National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Sculpture · Nara period, 8th century · held by Nara National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation
Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category
Sculpture
Date
701–800
Dimensions
H 59.0
Catalogue ID
cobas-15780

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The statue is called Kongō Rikishi (Skt. Vajrapāṇi) as a tutelary deity in the Buddhism. The comical appearance with bushy beard gives a cheerful impression and represents as an exceptional example. It may have been categorized into the eight century sculptures. However, the place of fabrication is still under discussion, suggesting either in Japan or in China.

— Museum description: Nara National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Rikishi (Guardian)（力士形立像）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-15780. Nara National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/rikishi-guardian/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Genre: Sculptures
  • Cultural property designation: Important Cultural P
  • Material: Color on hollow dry lacquer
  • Size: H 59.0
  • 員数: １躯
  • 分類: 彫刻
  • 品質形状: 乾漆造(脱活) 彩色 截金 立像
  • 法量: 像高59.0

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Sculpture · Nara, 8th centuryTNM
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