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

Katen (“fire deva”) 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. Katen guards the southeastern direction.
Katen is often depicted as an old man with a solemn expression, but here he is portrayed with gentle, friendly features.