Shaka (Shakyamuni), the Historical Buddha, with Two Attendant Bodhisattvas and the Ten Great Disciples

early 14th century

Not on view

At the center of this richly painted icon is the historical Buddha, Shaka (Shakyamuni in Sanskrit). He is flanked by his attendants, Monju and Fugen, who, respectively, ride a blue lion and white elephant and represent Buddhist wisdom and practice. This holy trio is accompanied by the ten major disciples.Rendered in fine pigments and gold on silk, this workis a testament to the influence of Chinese Buddhist painting of the Song dynasty (960–1279) on medieval Japanese Buddhist painting. The anonymous artist probably modeled his work after an example imported from China.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

釈迦三尊十大弟子像
Title: Shaka (Shakyamuni), the Historical Buddha, with Two Attendant Bodhisattvas and the Ten Great Disciples
Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
Date: early 14th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Dimensions: Image: 42 x 22 1/8 in. (106.7 x 56.2 cm)
Overall with mounting: 77 1/2 x 30 in. (196.9 x 76.2 cm)
Overall with knobs: 77 1/2 x 32 in. (196.9 x 81.3 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Sue Cassidy Clark, in honor of Dr. Barbara Brennan Ford, 2009
Object Number: 2009.156
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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