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National Treasure

Enma-ten (Yama)

十二天像 閻魔天
Enma-ten (Yama) (十二天像 閻魔天)
PLATE IImage: Kyoto National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Painting · Heian period, 12th century · held by Kyoto National Museum · designated National Treasure of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation
National Treasure (国宝)
Category
Paintings
Date
1101–1200
Dimensions
Height144cm:Width127cm
Catalogue ID
cobas-5788

Find more

Enma-ten is one of the Twelve Devas that were made in 1127 to be hung at the annual, New Year's ceremony of esoteric prayers, held at Shingon-in in the Imperial Palace. They were formerly owned by Kyoogokoku-ji (To-ji) Temple. The twelve devas are the guardians of the four quarters and four semi-quarters, up and down, and the sun and moon. Enma-ten guards the southern quarter. He holds his right hand up with the palm facing upwards. In his left hand, he holds a scepter crowned with a head. Enma-ten has a compassionate expression. His decorative ornaments and jewelry are done entirely in gold and silver leaf.

— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Enma-ten (Yama)（十二天像 閻魔天）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-5788. Kyoto National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/enma-ten-yama/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Cultural property designation: National Treasure
  • Category: Paintings, sketches, and prints:Japan:Buddhist paintings
  • Genre: Painting
  • Size: Height144cm:Width127cm
  • 員数: 1幅
  • 分類: 絵画
  • 時代世紀: 平安時代 後期 ・12世紀
  • 法量: 縦144cm:横127cm
  • 種別: 絵画:日本:仏画

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