Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

Thought to date from the 14th century, this painting is based on the Commentary on the Amitayurdhyana Sutra by Master Dazhi Yuanzhao of the Song dynasty (960–1279). Sakyamuni Buddha, the central figure, is accompanied by disciples, sages, Heavenly Kings, and Bodhisattvas. Trails of smoke rise from the Buddha, curl in a circle, and then extend out towards the sides of the painting. The red circle flanked by two cartouches at the top of the painting represents the contemplation of the sun, the first of the Sixteen Contemplations of the Western Pure Land. The second to seventh contemplations are depicted within circles on the right side of the painting. On the left, the eighth to thirteenth contemplations are portrayed in a similar manner. Thin red lines filled with inscriptions separate the circles on the sides from the rest of the painting. Below the Buddha, there is a three-story heavenly palace filled with small figures. These are representations of the 14th to 16th contemplations. Flying apsaras can be seen at the top and above the roofs of the palaces. In the pond at the bottom of the painting, children are born from lotuses.