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“Devadatta,” Chapter 12 of the Lotus Sutra (Hoke-kyō, Daibadatta-bon)

12th century
Not on view
The frontispiece of this scroll of the “Devadatta” chapter of the Lotus Sutra depicts the eight-year-old daughter of the Dragon King emerging from her palace beneath the sea to offer a precious, radiant jewel to the Buddha on Eagle Peak. Famous for achieving instantaneous Buddhahood, the Dragon Girl became an inspiring symbol of female salvation in Murasaki’s day. Allusions to episodes from the Lotus Sutra appear throughout The Tale of Genji.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 『妙法蓮華経』　「提婆達多品第十二」
  • Title: “Devadatta,” Chapter 12 of the Lotus Sutra (Hoke-kyō, Daibadatta-bon)
  • Period: Heian period (794–1185)
  • Date: 12th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Handscroll; gold and silver on indigo-dyed paper
  • Dimensions: 10 1/16 in. x 33 ft. (25.6 x 1005.8 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Seymour Fund, 1965
  • Object Number: 65.216.1
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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