Daigensui Myōō 1868

Kano Hōgai painted Daigensui Myōō with ink and color on silk. Here, the deity Daigensui Myōō embodies power. He stands amidst flames, his multiple arms brandishing weapons, each gesture laden with protective force. Observe the flaming halo around him, a motif that reminds one of the classical depictions of Apollo, the sun god, in ancient Greek art. The halo symbolizes divine light and power. Note the figures beneath him, likely protectors or attendants. The symbolism of divine protection resurfaces throughout history. We see it in medieval Christian art with archangels guarding sacred spaces. It reappears in ancient Egyptian depictions of pharaohs protected by gods. Such iconography speaks to a collective human desire for safety, reflecting our psychological need for guardians. This need transcends cultures and eras. The fiery deity, a recurring theme, is a testament to the timeless human quest for divine assurance.