Kukai (Kobo Daishi)
It was the 8th-century monk Kukai, also known by his posthumous name Kobo Daishi, who introduced esoteric Buddhism
to Japan. This form of Buddhism stresses the development of body, spirit and speech through the meticulous performance of
rituals. Portraits such as this scroll painting were displayed at ceremonies, emphasising Kukai’s position as the founder of the
movement.