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

Ishanaten is one of the Twelve Devas that were produced in 1127 for the annual New Year’s ceremony of esoteric prayers that was held at the Shingon-in Hall in 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. Ishanaten guards the northeastern direction. In his right hand, he holds a three-pronged spear, and in his left, he holds a bowl of blood.
Rich colors and lavish patterns in kirikane (cut-gold foil) make this Ishanaten a valuable work of late-Heian (794–1185) Buddhist painting.