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Fudō Myōō, the Immovable Wisdom King (Achala Vidyaraja)

Kaikei Japanese
early 13th century
Not on view
Fudō Myōō is worshipped as a wrathful avatar of Dainichi, the buddha at the center of the Buddhist cosmos. A tenacious protector of Buddhist teachings, Fudō is armed with a lasso and sword to subdue negative forces. In keeping with scriptural descriptions, this example, created in the workshop of the leading sculptor Kaikei, portrays a full-bodied, menacing figure biting his lower lip, with his hair bound and falling over his left shoulder.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 快慶作　不動明王坐像 (Fudō Myōō zazō)
  • Title: Fudō Myōō, the Immovable Wisdom King (Achala Vidyaraja)
  • Artist: Kaikei (Japanese, active 1183–1223)
  • Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
  • Date: early 13th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Japanese cypress with lacquer, color, gold, cut gold leaf (kirikane), and inlaid crystal eyes
  • Dimensions: H. 21 in. (53.3 cm); W. 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm); D. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.300.252a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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