One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians

14th century
Not on view
The Twelve Celestial Guardians, or Jūni-ten, are a force of protective deities worshipped in some schools of Buddhism. All are derived from Indian gods. Shown here are Bonten (Brahma), the god at the origin of all things, and Katen, the god of fire. Originally from a suite of twelve, these images would have been used to safeguard a ritual space.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 梵天·火天 (十二天像の内)
  • Title: One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians
  • Period: Nanbokuchō period (1336–92)
  • Date: 14th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll (from a set of twelve); hand-colored print on paper
  • Dimensions: Overall with knobs: 60 × 20 1/4 in. (152.4 × 51.4 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 60 × 18 1/2 in. (152.4 × 47 cm)
    Image: 32 in. × 12 3/4 in. (81.3 × 32.4 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.268.29
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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