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East Asia, Japan, Meiji to Showa era, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fascinating screen-printed paper illustration of Buddhist Paradise (Western Pure Land) and Hell (Naraka). Above is paradise with a golden Amida Buddha emitting a beam of light to welcome a pure soul, surrounded by 25 bodhisattvas. Below is the hellish scene with Enma, the god of hell and judge, presiding over the poor souls being paraded before him by demons. During the Obon festival, a hanging scroll depicting a picture of paradise and hell, such as this, is often displayed in temples. Framed under glass. The lower edge has Japanese characters, the text loosely translated seems to describe the scene and beings depicted. Size of painting: 22.25″ L x 20″ W (56.5 cm x 50.8 cm); frame: 23.75″ L x 21.5″ W (60.3 cm x 54.6 cm)
“Ten Kings Worship” is a traditional Buddhist practice prevalent in East Asian Buddhism, particularly in Chinese Buddhism and its offshoots like Korean and Japanese Buddhism. It centers around the veneration of the Ten Kings of Hell, who are believed to preside over the judgment and punishment of souls in the afterlife according to their deeds in their past lives. According to Buddhist cosmology, after death, souls are judged in the underworld before being reborn. The Ten Kings of Hell are responsible for this judgment process, which involves assessing a soul’s past actions and determining the appropriate karmic retribution. Enma (Yama or Yama Raj) is considered the main king among the Ten Kings of Hell. As the ruler of the underworld and the judge of souls, Enma holds a central position in the hierarchy of the Ten Kings. Devotees may invoke Enma’s name in prayers and rituals related to Ten Kings Worship, seeking his guidance, mercy, and impartial judgment in the journey of the soul through the realms of existence. Enma was believed to be the first person to die and became the caretaker of souls in paradise, however, overtime in Buddhist tradition he came to represent a fearful demon deity of hell that handed down severe punishments, as depicted here. He has a frightening appearance – furrowed brow and upturned, grinning leer. A table is set before him, and on the left, is a flaming mirror that reflects past sins of the souls being judged.
Condition: Some small tears and creasing. Discoloration and foxing to paper, and staining. Water stains and black residue near the top. Fair condition. Framed under glass and ready to display. Some minor scuffs and nicks to the black wood frame.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
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