Japan: Extermination of Evil by Shinchu, the 'Divine Insect'. 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. The Divine Insect is an euphemism for the silkworm which takes the form of a moth in this depiction. The set of five scrolls has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan in the category 'Paintings'.

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Pictures From History