Seated Buddha

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

This Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) painting of the Buddha was brought to Japan and is enshrined in Kongobuji Temple. It is displayed during the annual Dharma service held from July 7th to July 13th. The Buddha has a full, round face, large ears, and a low usnisa. He sits in full lotus position on a large lotus, forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra in front of his abdomen. The black inner robe is secured with a white belt and covered by a red monastic robe. The edges of the robe and the ends of the belt are uniquely painted to look like curling clouds. A nimbus and a faint mandorla, softly drawn with a brush pen, appear to radiate light. The golden Buddha and red robe stand out vividly from the dark background.