The Eight Hosts of Deva, Naga, and Yakshi
1454
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1454
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
You see eight figures floating on clouds—four snake-like nagas with human heads and four yakshis, nature spirits with flowing robes and jewels. This painting was made for a week-long Buddhist ritual called the Water-Land ceremony. It was hung in the inner altar on the second day to guide the souls of the dead. The bright colors and gold details were meant to impress crowds and honor imperial ancestors. Look up more about the subject: *china, ming dynasty (1368–1644)*.
