Gōma-zu [conquering evil]

Deeply venerated in Japan, both for spreading Buddhist teachings to anyone and everyone, and for helping to overcome demons and dispel worldly desires, Fudōmyō-ō is derived from the Indian deity Acala. Naturally, Fudōmyō-ō has been the subject of many sculptures and paintings. In this work, however, rather than the deity, Kanzan has depicted two attendants who are always at his side. On the left, wearing a lotus crown, the usually timid, though obedient, Kongara Dōji looks calm and friendly. To his right, ready to draw an arrow on his bow, Seitaka Dōji, most often shown in a fury, is depicted with an intelligent expression. Kanzan(1873-1930), who was level-headed and was said to never rise to anger, seems to have endowed these attendants with elements of his own character.