Art Institute of Chicago

Fudo Myo-o

Japan

Date

13th century

Medium

Wood with polychromy and gilt-bronze accessories

Culture

Japan

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The name Fudo Myo-o means “the immovable or unshakable one.” He is one of five myo-o , or lords of light, whose threatening appearance guards the Law of Buddhism. He is equipped to guide the spiritual traveler past temptation on the path to enlightenment. Fudo’s bulging eyes, piercing stare, and protruding fangs express the intensity of his wrath against evil. Seated on a stylized rock formation that symbolizes his steadfastness, he once held his attributes, a rope and sword (these have been removed for conservation), which were used to subdue evil forces and to cut through the ignorance that is the source of suffering. This finely modeled figure reflects the highly detailed, realistic direction taken by Japanese sculptors in the Kamakura period (1185–1333).

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