Japanese Vintage Bishamon God of War Postcard

In Japan, Bishamonten (毘沙門天), or just Bishamon (毘沙門) is thought of as an armour-clad god of warfare or warriors and a punisher of evildoers – a view that is at odds with the more pacific Buddhist king described above. Bishamon is portrayed holding a spear in one hand and a small pagoda in the other hand, the latter symbolizing the divine treasure house, whose contents he both guards and gives away. In Japanese folklore, he is one of the Japanese Seven Gods of Fortune. This image is from an authentic and vintage magic lantern slide in our personal collection.