釈迦降魔図|Shakyamuni Subjugating Demons

Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎

ca. 1888 · Album leaf mounted as a hanging scroll; ink and color on silk · Asian Art

This scene depicts an episode from the life of the historical Buddha, as he is under attack from the demon king Mara, who seeks to interrupt his pursuit of truth. The Buddha withstood the attack and thus gained enlightenment. Some elements, such as the flaming dragon, the cave setting, and the Buddha’s gesture, represent shifts from conventional depictions of this scene.

Artist

Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎

Date

ca. 1888

Medium

Album leaf mounted as a hanging scroll; ink and color on silk

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Charles Stewart Smith Collection, Gift of Mrs. Charles Stewart Smith, Charles Stewart Smith Jr., and Howard Caswell Smith, in memory of Charles Stewart Smith, 1914