six armed red figure seated on lotus pedestal; each arm is holding a different object; large halo

Aizen Myōō, The Wisdom King of Passion, early 14th century

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The fierce Buddhist deity known as Aizen Myōō is one of four Wisdom Kings who guard the four cardinal directions (north, south, west, east) around a central king known as the Immovable One (Fudō Myōō). Aizen is believed to have the ability to transform sexual passion into sacred love and desire for enlightenment. Backed by a fiery halo, wearing a lion-mask helmet, red-skinned, triple-eyed, and bearing an assortment of weapons and ritual objects in his six arms, Aizen is indeed fearsome. He sits on a lotus pedestal within a red orb that floats above a golden urn overflowing with multicolored wish-granting jewels. More jewels, scattered on the ground, symbolize this deity’s generosity in bestowing treasures on those who worship him.

Details
Title
Aizen Myōō, The Wisdom King of Passion
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.16
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 14
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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six armed red figure seated on lotus pedestal; each arm is holding a different object; large halo