The Left Panel of the Goddess Painting
Painting is done in oils on
canvas
Side Panels: 48x12 inches
Artist's Statement
Kichijouten (Japanese), or Mahasri (sanscrit): the Buddhist
Goddess of Wealth, Beauty and Virtue who holds the Sacred Pearl
of Happiness in her hand. She is also known as Mahadevi and
Sri Lakshmi.
This image of Kichijouten was inspired by an historical image
of her from the Nara Period of Japan. Originally, Kichijouten
was absorbed into Buddhism from Hinduism, where she was known
as Sri Lakshmi. She has crescent-shaped eyebrows with full
checks, and moves leisurely and gracefully. The sacred pearl
of happiness or wish-granting jewel on her left hand and her
transparent shawl fluttering gently in the wind as she walks
suggests her heavenly nature. She also makes the gesture (mudra)
of charity with her right palm open and facing downwards.
