Mount Kurama Mandala: Bishamonten Triad

15th–16th century

Not on view

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

鞍馬山曼荼羅・毘沙門天三尊像図
Title: Mount Kurama Mandala: Bishamonten Triad
Artist: Unidentified Artist
Period: Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Date: 15th–16th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Dimensions: Image: 32 13/16 × 14 3/4 in. (83.4 × 37.5 cm)
Overall with mounting: 62 3/4 × 21 5/8 in. (159.4 × 54.9 cm)
Overall with knobs: 62 3/4 × 23 7/16 in. (159.4 × 59.6 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Chester Holcombe and Anonymous Gift, by exchange, and funds from various donors, 2018
Object Number: 2018.76
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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