Fudō Myōō and Two Attendants 1336 - 1388

This hanging scroll depicting Fudō Myōō, the Immovable King, was painted in the 14th century by the Japanese artist Ryūshū Shūtaku (Myōtaku). Fudō Myōō is a fierce and powerful Buddhist deity who is often depicted with a flaming halo and a sword. He is a protector of Buddhism and is said to help people overcome their negative emotions and achieve enlightenment. The painting shows Fudō Myōō standing on a rock with his two attendants, Kongō and Seitaka, at his side. The artist uses a strong and dynamic style that reflects the power and energy of the subject. This painting, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a good example of the Japanese Buddhist painting tradition, which flourished in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) and continued throughout the Muromachi Period (1333-1573).