One of the ten Judges of Hell thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Japan, Room 45, The Toshiba Gallery

One of the ten Judges of Hell

Figure
1850-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

According to Buddhist belief, on the 35th day after a person dies they are judged by the Ten Kings of the Underworld. These judges decide whether or not the deceased is a sinner and should be punished. This figure is carved in the style of the 13th century but inscriptions show it was made much later.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleOne of the ten Judges of Hell
Materials and techniques
Carved and painted wood, crystal
Brief description
Figure depicting one of the ten Judges of Hell, carved and painted wood, crystal eyes, Japan, 1850-1900
Physical description
Figure depicting one of the ten Judges of Hell, carved and painted wood, crystal eyes, inscription once hidden under paint lists the names of the believers who paid for the figures to be made.
Dimensions
  • Approx. height: 39.4cm
  • Width: 356mm (Note: Measurement taken from register, converted from inches. )
Style
Marks and inscriptions
inscription once hidden under paint lists the names of the believers who paid for the figures to be made.
Gallery label
Seated figure of a King of the Underworld 1850–1900 According to Buddhist belief, on the 35th day after a person dies they are judged by the Ten Kings of the Underworld. These judges decide whether or not the deceased is a sinner and should be punished. This figure is carved in the style of the 13th century but inscriptions show it was made much later. Carved and painted wood; crystal eyes Purchased with the assistance of the Art Fund Museum no. A.11-1967 (04/11/2015)
Credit line
Purchased with Art Fund support
Summary
According to Buddhist belief, on the 35th day after a person dies they are judged by the Ten Kings of the Underworld. These judges decide whether or not the deceased is a sinner and should be punished. This figure is carved in the style of the 13th century but inscriptions show it was made much later.
Collection
Accession number
A.11-1967

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Record createdMay 11, 2009
Record URL
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