Aizen Myoo

Aizen Myoo

Aizen Myoo. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 53 5/16 x 32 7/16 in. (135.4 x 82.4 cm). Date: 14th century. The blood-red body and flaming halo of Aizen Myoo, the Wisdom King of Passion, symbolize how, in Buddhist practice, the violent energies of carnality and desire can be converted in the pursuit of enlightenment. Aizen Myoo is the embodiment of rage: his hair stands on end, a snarling lion rises from his head, and his six arms brandish Esoteric Buddhist weapons and other emblems of power. The bow and arrow in his middle hands are attributes appropriated from Kama, the Hindu god of love. In contrast to this righteous anger, jewels of good fortune forming flaming clusters spill from a vase in front of the deity's lotus throne. While Aizen Myoo's appearance may instill fear, the faithful afflicted with problems of the heart address him as a popular intercessor.

Hanging scroll; ink, color, gold, and cut gold leaf on silk

Nanbokucho period (1336-92)

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Album / Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY

Model: No - Property: No
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2548 x 4466 px | 32.6 MB

21.6 x 37.8 cm | 8.5 x 14.9 in (300 dpi)