Kisshoten (Skt: Śrīmahādevī)
Kisshoten is also known as Kichijoten and is a female deity regarded as the goddess of fertility, happiness, fortune, beauty, and merit. She derives from the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. Japanese belief in Kisshoten was widespread in the Nara period (710–794.).
This image of Kisshoten is a typical representation of the deity as a beautiful court lady of Tang dynasty China (618-–907), clad in an embroidered gown and headdress. Her left hand supports a wish-granting jewel said to fulfill wishes, grant wealth, and bestow blessings on all who suffer. This jewel distinguishes Kisshoten from the female deity Benzaiten, with whom she is often confused. Traces of the statue’s original colors are still clearly visible, which is rare for a sculpture that dates to the twelfth century. This statue is 215 centimeters high and is carved from wood.