Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)

Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Each of the Twelve Divine Generals embodies a vow taken by Yakushi (Bhaisajyaguru in Sanskrit), the Medicine Buddha, to heal ailments of the body and mind. Responsible for protecting the faithful and vanquishing the enemies of Buddhism, they are depicted with ferocious countenances, wearing armor, and standing in fighting poses. In ancient times they became associated with the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.