Amitabha Buddha

JAPAN; Kamakura period

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Amitabha Buddha is one of the Five Buddhas of the Diamond Realm, residing in the west and associated with the element of fire. This image of Amitabha was used in Vajrayana Buddhist rituals for removing obstacles. It was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1903.
Amitabha Buddha, wearing a red monastic robe draped over the left shoulder, sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne, forming the highest grade of the highest class mudra. The Buddha has a nimbus filled with swirling colors. Flame patterns are painted around the edge of both the nimbus and the plain aureole. A large, moon-like mandorla surrounds the Buddha. In each corner of the picture, there is a circle containing a Sanskrit syllable on a lotus. The neat layout of the image, the careful brushstrokes, and the dignified appearance of the central figure reflect the elegance of Japanese Vajrayana Buddhist art from the Kamakura period.