鞍馬山曼荼羅・毘沙門天三尊像図|Mount Kurama Mandala: Bishamonten Triad

Unidentified

15th–16th century · Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk · Asian Art

This depiction of the armor-clad Buddhist deity Bishamonten (Sanskrit: Vaishravana), who wields a halberd, is linked to religious practices at Kuramadera, a temple in northwest Kyoto. Founded in the late eighth century, the temple was intended to protect the capital from the north and was dedicated to Bishamonten for his role as guardian of this cardinal direction. One of the so-called Four Guardian Kings (Shitennō), Bishamonten was revered as a god of warriors. Here, he is flanked by his wife, Kichijōten, and son, Zennishi Dōji. This is among the earliest representations of Bishamonten with a centipede, which came to be recognized as his divine messenger.

Artist

Unidentified

Date

15th–16th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Gift of Chester Holcombe and Anonymous Gift, by exchange, and funds from various donors, 2018