As a guardian of the Buddhist teachings, Jikokuten (Skt., Dhrtarastra) protects the eastern realm. This statue originally belonged to a set of Four Heavenly Kings (or Shitennō) from Kōfuku-ji Temple in Nara. The main part of this impressive life-sized image is constructed from a single block of what appears to be Japanese cypress, while its head and arms are made of other types of wood. He has a stout, muscular physique below his tight armor, and his short neck and powerful gaze, together with his steadfast pose, give him an imposing presence.

    Although there are several theories regarding its production date and original placement, this image survived the battle fires of Nara in 1180, when the warrior Taira no Shigehira set Kōfuku-ji ablaze, and is undoubtedly a striking image befitting the halls of Kōfuku-ji. This standing Jikokuten statue is also known as one of the Buddhist statuary that Masuda Don’nō saved from the anti-Buddhist movement of the early Meiji period (1868–1912).