釈迦如来像|Shaka Nyorai

Unknown

14th century · Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk · Asian Art

Shaka Nyorai, or the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (the sage of the Shakya tribe who attained enlightenment), lived in India from about 563 to 483 B.C. He is portrayed here sitting cross-legged on a lotus throne above a five-tiered hexagonal pedestal. The most fundamental doctrine of Buddhism, Turning the Wheel of the Law, is embodied in Shaka's hand gesture, the mudra of preaching. He is illuminated by double disks of halos and by gold applied to his face and body. His robes drape gracefully over the throne. The strong frontality and symmetry enhance the strength of this devotional image.

Artist

Unknown

Date

14th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Gift of Horace Havemeyer, 1929