Hariti Rescuing Her Son

CHINA; Ming dynasty

This print, covering ten pages, was originally a frontispiece of a copy of the Diamond Sutra, but the rest of the sutra has been lost. Sakyamuni Buddha is seated on a throne in the center, with his hands forming the vitarka (teaching) mudra. He is surrounded by Hariti’s demon army, who attempt to attack him with spears and arrows. The Buddha’s peaceful expression contrasts dramatically with the violence of Hariti and her demons. On the far left, Hariti is shown kneeling in submission before the Buddha.