Fudo Myo 'o, with attendants Kongara and Seitaka

14th-15th century

The Buddhist deity Fudo Myo'o stands atop a rocky ledge, attended by two young boys, Kongara and Seitaka, who stand together at right. Fudo Myo'o is surrounded by flames, which represent light and the deity's fierce determination to protect Buddhism against all enemies. He holds his sword and rope to strike down and bind the enemies of Buddhism. To the left of the rock is a sword entwined by a dragon surrounded by flames, clouds, and thunderbolts. The dragon is associated throughout East Asia with thunder, rain, and water, but in this form, encircling a sword and surrounded by flames, it symbolizes Fudo Myo'o.