釈迦三尊十大弟子像|Shaka (Shakyamuni), the Historical Buddha, with Two Attendant Bodhisattvas and the Ten Great Disciples

Unknown

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

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 14th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Sue Cassidy Clark, in honor of Dr. Barbara Brennan Ford, 2009