The painting of Monju by Momota Ryuei from the Edo period (1615 - 1868) is a contemplative image of a deity favored by Zen Buddhists for his intrinsic wisdom. In his hand Monju holds a ju-i scepter and is seated on his vehicle the lion. Ryuei's quiet reflective painting is close in style and subject to the Zenga school, which revived the Zen Buddhist ink painting tradition during this time, one of the many different painting schools active during this period.

Momota Ryuei (1647 – 1698 CE)
Edo period (1615 – 1868 CE)
Monju
hanging scroll; ink on paper
Gift of Ruth and Sherman Lee, 2002.25.1