Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara

JAPAN; Kamakura period

Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is in the center of the painting, flanked by Vajradhara and Vaisravana Heavenly King of the North. Amoghapasa has three heads and four arms. The three-eyed central head is topped with a tall golden crown. The other two faces are symmetrical, with downcast eyes and solemn expressions. Sitting in full lotus position on a white lotus throne with detailed petals, Amoghapasa is adorned with string ornaments, armlets, and bracelets. The four hands either hold objects or form mudras.
The two attendants have flaming nimbuses and hair tied with ribbons. They wear elaborate suits of armor. The image of Vajradhara is modeled after a sculpture in the Lotus Hall of Todaiji Temple. He has a wide open mouth, appearing to scream in anger. The right hand holds a vajra, and the left hand is clenched in a fist. A stole flutters around his arms. On the right, Vaisravana stands on a stone slab, holding a pagoda in his right hand and carrying a sword in the left.