Resources

Fudo Myoo (the Immovable One) is one of the powerful deities known as the Five Bright Kings in Japanese Buddhism and folk religion. As a manifestation of the central cosmic Buddha Mahavairochana (Japanese: Dainichi), Fudo is believed to protect Buddhism and its true adherents. Like all Bright Kings, Fudo assumes a frightening form, with a sword in his right hand and a rope in his left. He sits in front of a swiring flame of fire, with which he purifies evil.

Fresh water jar, approx.1573–1615. Japan; Mie prefecture. Iga ware, stoneware with natural ash glaze. Museum Purchase, B68P4.

Fresh water jar in the form of a wooden bucket, 1625–1635. Made in China for Japanese patrons. Porcelain with underglaze blue. Asian Art Museum, Gift of Roy Leventritt, B69P95L.

Flowerpot, approx. 1100. China; Henan province, Northern Song dynasty (960–1126). Jun ware, glazed stoneware. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P95.

The first man across the Uji River and the battle of Awazugahara, From The Tale of the Heike, one of a pair, late 1600s. Japan. Six panel folding screen; ink, colors and gold on paper. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60D60+.

Fire procession costume, approx. 1700–1900. Japan. Silk, linen, and arrowroot (kuzu). The Avery Brundage Collection, 1991.137.

Female Shinto spirit, Heian period (794–1185) or Kamakura period (1185–1333), approx. 1100–1200. Japan. Wood with traces of pigment. Transfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Mrs. Herbert Fleishacker, B69S36.