Amitabha Buddha Triad
Ink and color on silk
Amitabha Buddha Triad
JAPAN; Heian period
Dating from the 12th century, this painting depicts Amitabha Buddha, accompanied by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas, descending on clouds to welcome a deceased being to the Pure Land. It was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1925. Amitabha sits in half lotus position on a tall lotus throne and displays a mudra. In front of Amitabha is Avalokitesvara on the right, seated in lotus position and carrying a lotus throne, and Mahasthamaprapta, resting on one knee on a lotus throne. The figures are painted with warm tones. Their garments are decorated using traced outlines, gilded folds, and colored patterns, details that are commonly seen in late Heian period art. The top right corner shows an apsara scattering flowers.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting A-H, page 38.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Youlu and Wilson, Graham and Manho and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting A-H},
pages = 38,
title = {{Amitabha Buddha Triad}},
volume = 14,
year = {2016}}