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Descent of Amida Nyorai
Japan, Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
Hanging scroll, ink and colors on silk. 42 x 15 1/4 in. (107 x 39 cm)
Gift of Norbert Schimmel. 55.86
Amida Nyorai, or Amitabha Buddha in Sanskrit, one of the most popular
Buddha images in Japan, is depicted here descending into this world in order
to lead the souls of true believers to his Western Paradise. His hands are
shown with the gestures (mudras) associated with reassurance and
welcome. He stands on clouds that spiral downward diagonally from left to
right, and the trailing cloud tails add a dramatic sense of speed and urgency
to his descent. His eyes are cast downward as he compassionately seeks the
dying believer below him. His garment and halo are delineated in gold, done
in the kirikane (cut gold leaf) technique that had become very popular
during the Kamakura period. In this method, thin strips of gold are adhered
to certain parts of the painting in place of brush strokes, resulting in
a surface that is visually exciting and compelling. Amida's robes are refined
and embellished with elaborate patterns, reinforcing the sense of richness
and splendor to be found in the paradise that will be the home of those
who follow him. |
