Fudo Myo 'o, with attendants Kongara and Seitaka
14th-15th century
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1907.648
Tags
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...