Sakyamuni Buddha Pentad and Ten Raksasis

JAPAN; Kamakura period

This painting depicts a scene from the “Chapter on Dharani” in the Lotus Sutra. Likely dated from the 14th century, it was likely used for worship during Lotus Sutra ceremonies in the late Kamakura period (1185–1333). Sakyamuni Buddha is seated in the center. Manjusri rides on a lion and Samantabhadra is on the back of an elephant. The Bodhisattvas Pradhanasura and Bhaisajyaraja flank the Buddha and the ten raksasis are lined up in two rows. The Four Heavenly Kings are partially visible in the upper corners. The influence of Chinese Song dynasty (960–1279) art can be seen in the protrayal of the Buddha’s nimbus and Manjusri’s Five-Buddha headdress. The facial features of the figures are more characteristically Japanese.