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Photo: Scott Leen
Asura
Photo: Scott Leen

Asura

Date14th-15th century
Label TextThis three-faced and six-armed figure is a representation of Asura, a demigod in its original Hindu mythology and one of the guardians in Buddhism. In Japan, Asura is often depicted as a muscular supernatural being with fang-like teeth and upswept hair, as seen in this example.
Object number2020.27.7
Photo CreditPhoto: Scott Leen
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Deities and Demons: Supernatural in Japanese Art, Oct. 20, 2022 - ongoing.
Credit LineGift of Maren Monsen and Jeffry Grainger in honor of Joseph and Elaine Monsen
Dimensions19 x 8 x 5 1/2 in. (48.3 x 20.3 x 14 cm)
MediumWood, gilded metal, crystal
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19th century
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19th century
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ca. 1300
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15th-17th century
Object number: 33.1054