The Boy Attendants Kongara Dōji and Seitaka Dōji

The Boy Attendants Kongara Dōji and Seitaka Dōji

Unidentified

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These boyish figures poised dramatically on rock-shaped bases, represent two of the attendants of Fudō Myōō, the fierce looking deity and central figure of the Five Guardian Kings, protectors of the Buddha’s Law. Kongara, who usually stands to the right of Fudō, is shown as a youth with his hands pressed together in a contemplative pose. Seitaka, who stands to the left of Fudō, is depicted traditionally with crimson skin—traces of red pigment can be seen on his body—and hair fastened into knots. He grimaces ferociously and gestures energetically with both arms.　 Both figures were sculpted in the multiple block construction style developed in the thirteenth century, and are hollow inside, with inlaid crystal eyes that add an element of naturalism. Their deeply carved draperies swirl about them, creating a strong sense of movement.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Boy Attendants Kongara Dōji and Seitaka DōjiThe Boy Attendants Kongara Dōji and Seitaka DōjiThe Boy Attendants Kongara Dōji and Seitaka DōjiThe Boy Attendants Kongara Dōji and Seitaka DōjiThe Boy Attendants Kongara Dōji and Seitaka Dōji

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.