Akafudou

This is the common name for the statue of Acala with two children, handed down at Myoo-in Temple in Koyasan, Koya-cho, Wakayama Prefecture. It is a colored painting on silk, and is characterized by the fact that Acala's entire body is depicted in a vivid crimson color, hence the name. Acala holds the sword Kurikara in his right hand and a lasso in his left, sitting half-seated on a rock with flames behind him, and to one side are two children, Kongara and Seitaka. There is a legend that this painting was inspired by the great monk Chisho (Enchin) when he went into seclusion at Yokokawa on Mount Hiei. It is a masterpiece of Morigenreimyo, and is one of the most famous Buddhist paintings in Japan. The most widely accepted theory is that it was created during the Fujiwara period, and it has been designated an Important Cultural Property.

[Shinichi Nagai]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

和歌山県高野(こうや)町大字高野山の明王院に伝わる不動明王二童子像の通称。絹地に描かれた彩色画で、不動明王の全身が鮮やかな真紅の色で表されているのが特徴で、この名称がある。不動は右手に倶利迦羅(くりから)剣を、左手に羂索(けんさく)を持し、火炎を背に岩上に半跏(はんか)に座し、片側に寄せて矜羯羅(こんがら)、制吒迦(せいたか)の二童子を描く。智証(ちしょう)大師（円珍）が比叡(ひえい)山横川(よかわ)に参籠(さんろう)したとき感得したものを図にしたという伝説がある。森厳霊妙で、わが国仏画を代表する名品の一つ。制作年代は藤原期とする説が有力で、重要文化財に指定されている。

［永井信一］

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