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Kujaku Myōō
Kujaku Myōō

Kujaku Myōō

Original Language Title孔雀明王図
CultureJapanese
Dateearly 14th century
MediumHanging scroll; ink, color, and gold-leaf strips on silk
DimensionsImage: 46 × 28 inches (116.84 × 71.12 cm)
Mount: 83 × 36 inches (210.82 × 91.44 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
Object number31-100/77
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Kujaku Myōō (Sanskrit: Mahamayuri) is a Buddhist deity of Indian origin who wards off misfortunes and natural disasters. The deity's four arms hold items displaying mystical powers: a magical fruit that banishes evil spirits, a peacock feather that protects against catastrophe, a healing fruit, and a piece of lotus symbolizing the Buddha's benevolence. The deity is often mounted on a peacock, as depicted here. In Indian legend, peacocks were fierce predators to poisonous snakes.
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