Fugen Bosatsu, Buddhist painting in Taitō-ku, Japan
Fugen Bosatsu is a 12th-century painting depicting the bodhisattva of the same name seated on a white elephant with six tusks, created using silk and traditional Japanese Iwaenogu pigments. The work measures approximately 750 mm wide by 1,600 mm tall and is housed in the Tokyo National Museum.
The work was created during the Heian period in the 12th century and was later designated as a National Treasure under the 1950 Cultural Properties Protection Law. This early recognition marked it as one of Japan's most important artistic works.
The painting shows the bodhisattva Fugen riding a white elephant and embodies Buddhist ideals of compassion and benevolence. This image was popular during the Heian period as a focus for prayer and devotion.
The painting is on display at the Tokyo National Museum under inventory number A-1 and is accessible to visitors. Plan to spend time viewing the fine details and delicate silk surface, as the work is housed in specially designed display cases.
In 2019, specialized restoration work used intentionally aged silk to match the original material properties while protecting ancient paint layers. This careful approach demonstrates modern conservation techniques applied to preserve historical masterworks.
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