Japan
Fudo Myo-o
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Fudo Myo-o” now? Art Institute of Chicago, Gallery 103, Chicago. Yes, on view now. Checked September 29, 2026.
Chicago, United States
Open now· until 5:00 PM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
The name Fudo Myo-o means “the immovable or unshakable one.” He is one of five myo-o, or lords of light, whose threatening appearance guards the Law of Buddhism. He is equipped to guide the spiritual traveler past temptation on the path to enlightenment. Fudo’s bulging eyes, piercing stare, and protruding fangs express the intensity of his wrath against evil. Seated on a stylized rock formation that symbolizes his steadfastness, he once held his attributes, a rope and sword (these have been removed for conservation), which were used to subdue evil forces and to cut through the ignorance that is the source of suffering. This finely modeled figure reflects the highly detailed, realistic direction taken by Japanese sculptors in the Kamakura period (1185–1333).
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Details
- Accession number
- 1958.321
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0
