Judge of Hell in the Brooklyn Museum, March 2010

Emma - o, King and Judge of Hell

This figure depicts the popular Buddhist deity Emma-Ō, recognizable by his tall Chinese cap, patriarch's robes, and frightening countenance. Emma-Ō and his court of ten judges were thought to preside over the trials of the dead, condemning evildoers to hell.

Culture: Muromachi Period

Medium: Wood with gesso and traces of polychrome and inlaid glass eyes.

Dates: 16th century

Period: Muromachi

Dimensions: 19 x 18 in. (48.3 x 45.7 cm)

Collections: Asian Art

Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, The Arts of Japan, 2nd Floor

Accession Number: 79.277

Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. George Mann

Text from: www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/106257/Emma...