National Treasure

Bishamon-ten (Vaisravana)
十二天像 毘沙門天
Paintings · Heian, 12th centuryKyoto NM
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The Twelve Devas are gods that protect the eight directions, the upper and lower spheres, and the directions of the sun and moon. Jiten (Skt., Prthivi) symbolizes the earth god and is often paired with Bonten (Skt., Brahman), god of the heavens. Jiten is also known as Kenrôchijin. This resplendant hanging scroll of Jiten portrays him in brilliant colors and is a work representative of the decorative style of the Insei (cloistered emperors) era (1086-1185).
— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.















