Mahamayuri the Peacock Wisdom Queen, c. 12th century AD (late Heian)
In Vajrayana Buddhism, a Wisdom King (Sanskritvidyarāja, Jp. 明王 myō-ō) is the third type of deity after Buddhas and bodhisattvas. The Sanskit name literally "king of knowledge", while the Chinese characters mean "bright king", leading to wide array of alternative English names including Guardian King, Radiant King, etc.
The female counterparts of Wisdom Kings are known as Wisdom Queens (Jp. 明妃 myōhi), although the distinction is often ignored.
On a general level, the Wisdom Kings are viewed as the guardians of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas. In particular, the Five Wisdom Kings are the protectors of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.
According to the esoteric doctrine of the Three Wheels, whereas Buddhas represent pure concepts and bodhisattvas teach through compassion, Wisdom Kings are the embodiment of the wheel of injunction and teach through fear, shocking nonbelievers into faith.
Wisdom Kings are usually represented as wrathful deities, often with many faces, many arms and even many legs. They hold weapons in their hands and are sometimes adorned with skulls, snakes or animal skins and wreathed in flames.
A notable exception is Mahamayuri (Jp. Kujaku), the "Peacock Wisdom Queen", who is usually presented with a peaceful expression. She is easily identifiable as she usually rides a peacock.
I Kings 10:6 "And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom." She had heard, before she came, of the power, prestige, and wisdom of Solomon.
I Kings 10:7 "Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen [it]: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard." She admits to Solomon that she did not believe it, until she saw it with her own eyes.
I Kings 10:21 "And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold; none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon." This is speaking of the very lavish living conditions of Solomon.
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