Manshuin Temple: Acala
Ink and color on silk
Manshuin Temple: Acala
JAPAN, Kyoto; Heian period
Acala is believed to prevent disasters, dispel demons, and assist devotees in their religious practices. This 12th century painting is the oldest replica of the Yellow Acala painting kept at Onjoji Temple in Shiga. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1954. The Biography of Enchin states that the original painting was commissioned by the Japanese monk Enchin in 838 of the Heian period after he had a vision of Acala while meditating.
Acala’s wide eyes stare straight at the viewer. His muscles and joints are emphasized with black lines. Thick armlets, bracelets, anklets, and a necklace adorn the body. Standing on a rock platform, Acala holds a sword in the right hand and grips a rope with the left. The bright red lower garment hangs in folds behind the legs.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting I-O, page 515.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Youlu and Wilson, Graham and Manho and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting I-O},
pages = 515,
title = {{Manshuin Temple: Acala}},
volume = 15,
year = {2016}}