Artwork Page for Aizen Myōō

Details / Information for Aizen Myōō

Aizen Myōō

愛染明王像

early 1300s

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185–1333)
Medium
Wood with black lacquer and red pigments
Measurements
Overall: 75 x 59 x 35 cm (29 1/2 x 23 1/4 x 13 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Elizabeth M. Skala 1987.185
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

The torso, head, and legs of this figure were carved from a single block of wood. Four of the arms were carved separately.

Description

The Buddhist deity Aizen Myōō channels carnal desire into a lust for spiritual enlightenment. In its principal right arm, this figure once held a vajra, a symbolic weapon used to cut through illusion, while its main left arm still grasps the vajra bell rung to bring one to awareness. The lion’s head in Aizen’s hair holds its mouth open to devour thoughts and desires. Holes along the front of the legs show where the sculpture’s base would have been attached.
A black painted wood sculpture depicts Aizen Myōō, a deity seated cross-legged with six arms and mouth open, hair extending straight up with a lion face baring its teeth from within it. Two arms fold in front of Aizen Myōō's chest, his left hand holding a bell hanging down. The other four arms wave at his sides with fists closed. A carved wrap drapes over his lap and extends diagonally over his left shoulder.

Aizen Myōō

early 1300s

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

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