National TreasureKaten (Skt., Agni)

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  • ink and color on silk
  • Height: 144.0cm Width: 127.0cm
  • Heian period, 12th-century
  • Kyoto National Museum
  • A甲283-7

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.

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