十二神将 [Juuni Shinsyo]

十二神将 [Juuni Shinsyo]
Mikumo studio, Kyoto
woodblock print, 1963
1989.007

The Bhaisajyaguruvaiduryaprabharaja Sutra, a Buddhist scriptural text written before the seventh century, tells of Bhaisajyaguru, the healing Buddha, who as a bodhisattva made Twelve Great Vows that he, upon his passage to Enlightenment, would replace the greed, anger, and delusion entrenched in humankind with selflessness, compassion, and wisdom. Twelve generals who heard the call of Bhaisajyaguru sought refuge in the Buddha, and vowed to dedicate themselves to that work of turning human hearts. They, the Juuni Shinsyo, or Twelve Heavenly Generals, represent the Great Vows. Each has a place in the Juunishi, the Japanese zodiac, adopting attributes of the Boar, Dog, Rooster, Monkey, Sheep, Horse, Snake, Dragon, Rabbit, Tiger, Ox, or Mouse.

Mikumo Mokuhhansha has been publishing fine woodblock print editions since 1921 in Kyoto.