The Thirteen Buddhas (Jūsanbutsu)

The Thirteen Buddhas, Jūsanbutsu (十三仏), are a set of buddhas and bodhisattvas, each assigned to one of the memorial services held for the dead in Japan. They grew out of the belief that the soul passes before the Ten Kings of the underworld, and that each judge has a compassionate Buddhist counterpart. The set took shape in the medieval period and remains in use, especially in Shingon households.

The thirteen and their rites

Rite Presiding figure
7th day Fudō Myōō
14th day Shaka Nyorai
21st day Monju Bosatsu
28th day Fugen Bosatsu
35th day Jizō Bosatsu
42nd day Miroku Bosatsu
49th day Yakushi Nyorai
100th day Kannon Bosatsu
1st year Seishi Bosatsu
3rd year Amida Nyorai
7th year Ashuku Nyorai
13th year Dainichi Nyorai
33rd year Kokūzō Bosatsu

The forty-ninth day marks the end of the soul's intermediate journey, and the thirty-third year traditionally closes the cycle of memorials.

The Jūsanbutsu in art

The set is most often seen on a single hanging scroll, with the thirteen figures arranged in tiers and Dainichi or Kokūzō at the top. Such scrolls were hung in household altars during memorials and are still made today. Small carved panels and printed versions also exist. Because every figure is shown at small scale, the set is an excellent primer in iconography: each must be identifiable by mudrā and attribute alone.

Collecting notes

  • Painted Jūsanbutsu scrolls of the Edo period vary from workshop production to fine painting with gold. Look at the faces and the gold pigment, kindei.
  • The mounting often survives in poor condition while the painting is sound, and remounting is a normal part of their life.

In the collection

Browse Buddhist paintings and hanging scrolls. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a Jūsanbutsu scroll.

See also

Submit Your Case File

Every bespoke partnership begins with clarity. Tell us what you seek, what inspired you, and the boundaries of your project.


What Happens After You Submit

Your Case File is reviewed personally by a senior advisor. We examine your objectives, logistics requirements, cultural considerations, and practical constraints. You will receive a tailored proposal outlining recommended services, timelines, and all applicable fees.

  • Bespoke service design tailored to your specific needs
  • Museum-grade logistics for art, antiques, fashion, and collectibles
  • Transparent partnership with no hidden or surprise costs

“All fees, deposits, and retainers will be clearly presented for approval before any work begins.”

Your Case File

Please complete the form carefully. The more precise your information, the more accurately we can prepare your assessment.

All fields are required to submit this form.

Kindly allow us a brief moment to review your submission. A senior advisor will be in touch with your personalised next steps.

Thank you for entrusting us with your vision. We look forward to representing you with precision and discretion.