Document relating to a sculpture of Aizen Myo-o (Ragaraja)

The sculpture [F1974.21a] which is hollow, contained a document in its cavity at the time of acquisition [F1974.21b]. The document, extensively damaged and now mounted as a miniature scroll, contains illustrations of five deities associated with the stars. After the drawings is an inscription in Sanskrit, followed by an illegible date written in Japanese. The inscriptions are written in red ink, and the illustrations done in ink and slight color.

Historical period(s)
Kamakura period, 1292
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 13.5 x 54.6 cm (5 5/16 x 21 1/2 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1974.21.2
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Calligraphy
Type

Hanging scroll

Keywords
Buddhism, Japan, Kamakura period (1185 - 1333), Sanskrit
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

The sculpture [F1974.21a] which is hollow, contained a document in its cavity at the time of acquisition [F1974.21b]. The document, extensively damaged and now mounted as a miniature scroll, contains illustrations of five deities associated with the stars. After the drawings is an inscription in Sanskrit, followed by an illegible date written in Japanese. The inscriptions are written in red ink, and the illustrations done in ink and slight color.

Published References
  • Julia Murray. A Decade of Discovery: Selected Acquisitions 1970-1980. Exh. cat. Washington, 1979. cat. 40, p. 52.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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