National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

Enmaten is one of the Twelve Devas that were produced in 1127 for the annual New Year’s ceremony of esoteric prayers that was held in the Shingon-in Hall at the Imperial Palace. They were formerly owned by Kyôôgokoku-ji (Tô-ji) Temple.
The twelve devas are the guardians of the four quarters and four semi-quarters, up and down, and the sun and moon. Enmaten guards the southern quarter. He holds his right hand up with palm facing upwards. In his left hand, he holds a scepter crowned with a head. Here, the deity has a compassionate expression. His decorative ornaments and jewelry are all executed in gold and silver foil.