- (Some of the works of the Twelve Devas )
- Hanging scroll
- ink and color on silk
- Height: 144.0cm Width: 127.0cm
- Heian period, 12th-century
- Kyoto National Museum
- A甲283-9
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.
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