Daikakuji Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha Triad

JAPAN, Hyogo, Amagasaki; Kamakura period

These three 13th century paintings were listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1917. The larger middle panel, measuring 116.4 cm by 57.3 cm, portrays Sakyamuni Buddha sitting on a lotus throne and forming a mudra. In front of the throne, there is an incense burner on an altar. Each of the side panels measures 104 cm by 48.5 cm. Manjusri Bodhisattva is shown on the left panel, holding a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman) and sitting on a lotus throne on the back of a lion. On the right panel, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva holds a lotus flower and sits on a lotus throne supported by an elephant. The two Bodhisattvas are adorned with ornaments and wear crowns with Buddha images in the center. All three figures have a nimbus and aureole decorated with flames. The clothing is painted with subdued tones and the folds are outlined in black.