Assemblage of Devas

Each of the devas depicted here grasp implements in worship, and are followed by protector servants who sidle on the right. Set in a void among clouds, the work may at one point have been part of a larger Buddhist painting, and presents a grand assemblage respectfully listening to Buddha expound the law. The three-faced, six-armed male figure in the middle-left is Asura, formerly a demon who waged war with gods; warriors holding swords and groups of beautiful women surround Raksasa and Raksasi, formerly two female demons. Originally pagan ghosts and spirits, these figures were later figures were later converted into protectors of the Buddhist truth. This entire work is painted in different pigments, with wash applied lightly. The muscles of the devas are lavishly adorned, their sleeves curled and plaited as if blowing in the wind. With the employment of a technique in which lines are painted to resemble orchid leaves, the artists has captured the manner of flying spirits, a style commonly used by painters after Wu Tao-tzu. By applying gold on the outlines and patterns of decoration on the clothes, the artist has increased the richness and beauty of the work. Because of the visible style of this painting, it is suspected that this work dates to the mid Ming period.