仏伝図|Scene from the Life of the Buddha

Unknown

early 15th century · Section of a wall panel mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk · Asian Art

This scroll depicts Prince Shakyamuni abandoning palace life after encountering human suffering. At the lower right, Shakyamuni's father, King Shuddhodana, asks women to dance and play musical instruments to entice the prince to remain. The identities of the two women inside the palace and the image of the Buddha ascending on a cloud remain problematic. Judging by the palatial surroundings, the two women could be Shakyamuni's wife, Yashodara, and her lady-in-waiting, in which case the ascending Buddha would signify Shakyamuni's departure from the palace to pursue enlightenment.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 15th century

Medium

Section of a wall panel mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 1993