Fudō Myōō with Four Attendants, Outlined in Seed Syllables 1450 - 1499

"Fudō Myōō with Four Attendants, Outlined in Seed Syllables" is a hanging scroll by the Japanese artist Chikai, dating back to the 15th century. The artwork, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, depicts Fudō Myōō, a fierce and powerful Buddhist deity, standing on a rock with four attendants. The drawing is done in ink on paper and is notable for its use of seed syllables, which are sacred sounds representing the essence of the deity. Chikai, born in 1422, was a prominent artist during the Muromachi period and this work showcases his skillful and intricate line work. The scroll's minimalist style, characterized by the use of ink outlines on a plain background, exemplifies the artistic trends of the period.