Hanging scroll, color and kirigane (cut gold-leaf) on silk
144.5 x 126.8 cm
Late-Heian Period (Dated 1127)
National Treasure
AK 283
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Ka-ten is one of the Twelve Devas that were made in 1127 to be hung at the annual, New Year's ceremony of esoteric prayers, held at Shingon-in in the Imperial Palace. They were formerly owned by Kyoogokoku-ji (To-ji) temple.
The Twelve Devas are the guardians of the four quarters and four semi-quarters, up and down, and the sun and moon. Ka-ten is in charge of the southeast semi-quarter.
Ka-ten is often depicted with an old man with a strict expression, but here he is portrayed with gentle, friendly features.
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