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Fudo Myo 'o, with attendants Kongara and Seitaka

Unknown

14th-15th century

Fudo Myo 'o, with attendants Kongara and Seitaka by Unknown

Classification

Painting

Department

Smithsonian Collection

Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Credit

Gift of Charles Lang Freer

Accession Number

F1907.648

Tags

BuddhismCharles Lang Freer collectionFudo Myo-oJapanJapanese ArtMuromachi period (1333 - 1573)dragonfiresword

About this artwork

The Buddhist deity Fudo Myo'o stands atop a rocky ledge, attended by two young boys, Kongara and Seitaka, who stand together at right. Fudo Myo'o is surrounded by flames, which represent light and the deity's fierce determination to protect Buddhism against all enemies. He holds his sword and rope to strike down and bind the enemies of Buddhism. To the left of the rock is a sword entwined by a dragon surrounded by flames, clouds, and thunderbolts. The dragon is associated throughout East Asia wi...

About the Artist

Unknown

The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...

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