One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians

Japan

Not on view

The Twelve Celestial Guardians, or Jūni-ten, are a force of protective deities worshipped in some schools of Buddhism. All are derived from Indian gods. Shown here from left to right are the lunar deity Gatten (Candra), the wind god Fūten (Vayu), and Bonten (Brahma), the god at the origin of all things. Originally from a suite of twelve, they would have been used to safeguard a ritual space.

One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians, Hanging scroll (from a set of twelve) mounted as framed panel; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan

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