Artwork preview

Iconographic Drawings of the Five Kings of Wisdom (Myōō-bu shoson)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts five seated figures, each surrounded by a halo of flames. The figures are arranged in a horizontal row. They are sitting cross-legged on rectangular bases with their hands in various positions. The figure on the far left wears a crown and holds an object in their hands. The second figure from the left appears to have multiple arms. The figures are drawn in various colors including blue, red, and brown. There are two objects below the second figure from the left; one is long and thin, the other is round. There is Japanese writing on either side of the figures. The background of the image is aged paper with darker spots and discoloration throughout.

Artwork Details

Date
12th century
Medium
Handscroll; ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
599 × 237 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette

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