Jingoji Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha
Ink and color on silk
Jingoji Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha
JAPAN, Kyoto; Heian period
This 12th century painting is known as “Red Sakyamuni” because of the Buddha’s bright red monastic robe. It is based on descriptions in the Lotus Sutra and may have been created for display at the Lotus Sutra Dharma Service in Jingoji Temple, Kyoto. In 1952, it was listed as a National Treasure.
Sakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne. He has arched eyebrows, narrowed eyes, and red lips. His right hand probably forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra in front of his chest. The monastic robe is decorated with diamond patterns and circular floral motifs. Beautiful gold floral patterns are painted around the outside of the nimbus and mandorla, giving the Buddha a radiant appearance.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting I-O, page 387.
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 I-O},
pages = 387,
title = {{Jingoji Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha}},
volume = 15,
year = {2016}}