2017.8.a-f Benzaiten

Benzaiten, or Benten, as the goddess is also called in Japan, is a Japanese Buddhist version of Sarasvati, the Hindu goddess of music, poetry, learning, and the performing arts. Sarasvati was first adopted in China and then passed to Japan in the 7th-8th century. As is suited to a militaristic culture, Benten was originally considered to be a protectress of the samurai. She was also thought to be one of the seven lucky gods, who also brought prosperity and good fortune to their followers. In this, she resembled Daitoku, a god of prosperity represented by another sculpture in the DMA's collection [2016.59.2.A-B]. In Japanese myth, she is the daughter of the Dragon King of the Sea, and as such is exhibited alongside the Dragon King of the Sea in the Museum's Young Collection [1993.86.11.FA]. 

Japan (nation): TGN: 1000120

wood (plant material): AAT: 300011914

sculpture: AAT: 300047090

metal: AAT: 300010900

Edo (Japanese period): AAT: 300106643

n.d.: Private English collection

From 2011: Private New York collection 

2017: Dallas Museum of Art, Cecil and Ida Green Acquisition Fund purchase through Joel Cooner Gallery

The main source for this provenance is information previously entered in TMS. 

Apply to objects where number equals 2017.8.a-f