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Western Pure Land
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Western Pure Land
CHINA; Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), dated 1183; Ink and color on silk; 150.5 x 92 cm; Chionin Temple, Kyoto, Japan
This painting depicts the thirteenth of the Sixteen Contemplations described in the Amitayurdhyana Sutra. According to the sutra, one who aspires to be reborn in the Western Pure Land should visualize it in detail. The thirteenth contemplation involves visualizing the triad of Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. The painting was listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1959.
Amitabha Buddha is shown in the center of the painting wearing a red monastic robe over a blue and green inner robe. Avalokitesvara stands on the right, holding a willow branch and a vase. Mahasthamaprapta is on the left, holding a scripture. All three figures have nimbuses and stand on lotuses. White light radiates upwards from Amitabha's nimbus, manifesting a retinue of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, heavenly beings, and disciples standing symmetrically on both sides of the upper register. The three central figures are backed by unfurling golden clouds. The pond in the lower register is filled with blooming lotuses, upon which are nine kneeling figures symbolizing the nine grades of rebirth in the Pure Land. A kalavinka, a crane, and a peacock are shown beside the pond. |
