Byodoin Temple Phoenix Hall Murals

JAPAN, Kyoto, Uji; Heian period

These 14 panels once lined the walls of the Phoenix Hall in Byodoin Temple but are now kept in the temple museum. They are based on the Amitayurdhyana Sutra, depicting the Contemplation of the Sun and welcoming scenes for each of the nine grades of rebirth in the Pure Land. Text from the sutra is written within each panel, describing what they are meant to portray. Four pairs of the screen panels were painted in 1053 of the Heian period, while the rest were painted during the Kamakura (1185–1333) or Edo (1615–1868) periods. Most of the panels are severely damaged, but the two murals depicting the welcoming scenes for beings reborn into the highest grade of the middle class and the highest grade of the lowest class are relatively well preserved. These images are the oldest known depictions of the welcoming scenes painted in yamato style. The collection was listed as a National Treasure in 1972.
In the welcoming scenes, Amitabha Buddha and Bodhisattvas descend upon clouds towards waiting deceased beings. The Bodhisattvas, standing in graceful poses with their stoles fluttering in the wind, play a variety of musical instruments. The figures occupy only a small portion of the murals compared to the surrounding natural scenery. The Buddha and Bodhisattvas are drawn with fine strokes. The garments appear to have been decorated with sprinkles of gold and were once brightly colored. Although the colors have faded and peeled off, a rich style and skillful technique is still apparent, particularly in the portrayal of the gentle facial expressions of the figures.