Japan: Extermination of Evil by Bishamonten. 12th century scroll painting.

Part of a set of five hanging scrolls entitled 'Extermination of Evil', depicting benevolent deities who expel demons of plague. This scroll was originally part of a handscroll known as the 'Second edition of the Masuda family Hell Scroll' before being cut into sections after World War II. The text on the scroll explains the acts of the god in exterminating evil. Bishamonten (Vaisravana), the deity protecting devotees of the Lotus Sutra is depicted firing arrows at demons. Bishamonten carrying a bow is typical for paintings from the Tang and Song Dynasties. The set of five scrolls has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan in the category 'Paintings'.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Pictures From History