Kisshoten Mandala

Kisshoten is worshipped as the goddess of good fortune and prosperity, and numerous statues and images have been produced since ancient times. This painting depicts Kisshoten as the central deity, holding a jewel in her left hand and a prayer mudra with her right hand, flanked by Brahma and Indra, and above her are the Four Heavenly Kings. At the top of the painting are flying celestial beings performing a flower-scattering offering and a white elephant riding on a cloud. Below is a view of a lotus pond with a bridge spanning it, with beautiful red and white lotus flowers in bloom and a monk holding an incense burner making an offering nearby. This design is found in the 10th volume of the Dharani Collection, translated by Ajikuta of China, but there are few surviving examples of colored paintings like this one. The silk at the top of the painting, depicting the white elephant, is a later addition, but the overall design conveys the original form. Pre-owned by Kyoogokokuji Temple (Toji Temple).