Jobon Rendaiji Temple: Six Ksitigarbha Bodhisattvas

JAPAN, Kyoto; Kamakura period

This painting depicts Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva manifesting in six different forms in order to save sentient beings in the six different realms of existence. It was likely painted during the late Kamakura period (1185–1333). In 1908, it was listed as an Important Cultural Property.
The six Ksitigarbha Bodhisattvas hold various objects including a jewel, a monk’s staff, a plate of flowers, a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman), and a censer. Each of them stands on a lotus pedestal atop a trail of clouds that gradually narrows in the background, indicating movement. All of the Bodhisattvas have delicate facial features and wear a bracelet, necklace, and monastic robe. Gold lines are used to accentuate the folds in the robes and the nimbuses of the figures. The picture has a balanced layout and the details are carefully drawn.