Fudō Myōō and Two Attendants 1336 - 1388

Ryūshū Shūtaku painted "Fudō Myōō and Two Attendants" using ink, color, and gold on silk. The dark palette, dominated by blacks and browns, is punctuated by vibrant reds and golds that leap forward, evoking a sense of reverence and awe. The composition is dominated by the central figure, Fudō Myōō, whose formidable presence is enhanced by the flames encircling him. This design suggests an interplay between the static and the dynamic, where the unmoving deity is framed by the energy of transformation. The artist uses line and color to signify power and purity, using Fudō Myōō's sword to cut through ignorance, while the flames represent the burning away of impurities. Shūtaku’s use of heavy outlines and flat planes of color is reminiscent of earlier Buddhist paintings, yet he personalizes the iconography with detailed rendering and dynamic composition. The enduring appeal of "Fudō Myōō and Two Attendants" lies not only in its formal artistry but also in its invitation to reflect on the processes of change and purification.