Ten: The Heavenly Deities

Ten (天), or tenbu, are the gods of ancient India who, in Buddhist telling, heard the Buddha's teaching and vowed to protect it. They form the fourth of the four ranks, below the buddhas, bodhisattvas and wisdom kings, yet they are among the liveliest figures in Japanese art: armoured warriors, courtly kings, goddesses of music and luck, and gods of wind and thunder.

Japanese 天, ten; 天部, tenbu
Sanskrit Deva
Rank Fourth of four
Recognise by Names ending in -ten; armour, court robes or the dress of a lady; no buddha's marks
Roles Guardians of the teaching, the directions and the temple; givers of fortune

Three kinds of deva

Groups of devas

  • The Twelve Devas, Jūniten. Guardians of the directions, heaven, earth, sun and moon, painted on screens for esoteric rites.
  • The Eight Legions, Hachibushū. Converted beings of many kinds, led in fame by Ashura.
  • The Twenty-eight Attendants. Followers of Senju Kannon, with Fūjin and Raijin.
  • Celestial beings. Hiten and tennyo, and the bird-bodied Karyōbinga.

From deva to lucky god

Several devas passed from temple guardianship into everyday luck. Bishamonten, Daikokuten and Benzaiten joined the Seven Lucky Gods, and many shrines and temples honour them for prosperity.

Collecting notes

  • Armoured guardians are the most dramatic devas on the market. Check the separately carved weapons and the demon figures beneath their feet.
  • Lucky god figures in wood, bronze, gold and ceramic are widely collected and range from fine sculpture to charming folk work.

In the collection

Browse guardian deities, Bishamonten and the Seven Lucky Gods. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a particular deva.

See also

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