Iconographic features of the Japanese sculptures of light kings

Abstract

Light kings myōō (明王), revered in esoteric Buddhism, protect the world from the forces of evil and inspire it with hopes for getting rid of troubles. Their frightening appearance testifies to the fight against evil spirits, the desire to prevent the disasters of the earth, to save humanity from harmful addictions that lead to suffering. The article analyzes the special characteristics of the sculptural images of light kings, manifested in various details of formidable faces that take on a ferocious expression, hairstyles resembling flames, in the plasticity of expressive poses, attire, in the symbolism of numerous attributes, sculptures that differ from the canonical ones are also considered. Both the typological commonality of the characters and the personality traits with their inherent emotional expressiveness, a departure from conventional norms, are noted. The aesthetic significance of the monuments of medieval Buddhist iconography, their role in the cultural and historical development of Japan is undeniable.