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Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra
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Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra
KOREA; Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), dated 1320; Ink and color on silk; 224.2 x 139.1 cm; Chionin Temple, Kyoto, Japan
An inscription at the bottom of this painting states that it was commissioned by nine people including monks and devotees, and illustrates the story of Queen Vaidehi. The central image is Sakyamuni Buddha teaching the Sixteen Contemplations of the Western Pure Land. Sakyamuni is surrounded by Bodhisattvas and Arhats. Above and below the Buddha, smaller Buddha triads are seated within heavenly palaces. At the bottom of the picture, there is a pond filled with Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats sitting on lotuses. More palaces and ponds are depicted on the sides of the painting. The contemplation of the sun is portrayed at the top of the painting, and to the sides of the red sun, there are Buddhas sitting on clouds. |
