Shakyamuni sits upon a lotus throne beneath a floral canopy, ringed by luminous halos, while armored guardians, monks, attendants, an elephant and a lion-like creature crowd the field around him. Devoted to the guardians of the Buddha's teaching, this vintage kakejiku rewards the slow, close looking that so populous a sacred assembly demands.
The Piece
The composition is best identified as a Shaka Sanzon Jūroku Zenshin-zu, the Shakyamuni Triad with the Sixteen Protective Deities. Shakyamuni Buddha sits at upper center on a lotus throne, framed by luminous circular halos and swirling clouds, with an ornate floral canopy floating above him beneath curling celestial clouds. Two smaller seated Buddhist figures appear before him, and vividly rendered protective deities gather along both sides and through the lower field.
The assembly includes fierce guardians carrying weapons and ritual implements, monks, attendants, an elephant, a lion-like guardian creature and other figures associated with Buddhist scripture and its protection. The Sixteen Protective Deities are traditionally the guardians of Buddhist teaching, particularly the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. Unlike the Sixteen Arhats, who are enlightened disciples of the Buddha, they are protective divinities with powerful expressions, elaborate armor, weapons and ritual objects; Shakyamuni at the center represents awakened wisdom, and the surrounding host its protection, transmission and preservation.
The image carries a rich multicolor palette with gold-toned details and is mounted as a traditional kakejiku: a muted green floral textile surrounds the central image, dark brown and gold brocade borders give a dignified temple-like presentation, and a hanging cord and lower scroll rod complete the mount. The large vertical composition suits a Buddhist altar, meditation room, tea room, study or a collection of Buddhist and Asian religious art.
Details
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Origin: Japan
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Medium: Ink, colored pigments and gold-toned detailing on a fine paper or textile-like surface
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Subject: Shakyamuni Buddha with the Sixteen Protective Deities (Shaka Sanzon Jūroku Zenshin-zu)
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Format: Kakejiku hanging scroll
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Mounting: Muted green floral textile; dark brown and gold brocade inner border; hanging cord and lower scroll rod
Condition
- A vintage hanging scroll with visible age-related characteristics.
- Several pronounced horizontal creases and fold lines run across the artwork, including through the central image, with surface waviness and wrinkles.
- General toning and color variation; small marks, spots and areas of discoloration; possible rubbing or pigment wear in places.
- Natural wear to the textile mounting and hanging components.
Authenticity & Care
The painter is unidentified. The substrate, pigments, date, artist and production method have not been independently authenticated, and the close-up photographs should be examined to judge whether the image is painted, printed, hand-finished or a combination. No genuine gold leaf, silk, fully hand-painted construction, temple provenance or particular historical period is claimed. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.
Delivery from Japan
Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.
Paper & Silk
Scrolls, screens and prints can be examined, documented and conserved before shipping through the Restoration & Documentation Lab™. Request a condition report →
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