Illustration of the Lotus Sutra

CHINA; Northern Song dynasty

This long scroll is inscribed with the “Chapter on the Merit of Rejoicing” from the Lotus Sutra. The text is accompanied by images of the Buddha teaching the Dharma and scenes from each chapter of the sutra.
On the right side of the scroll, the Buddha, with a round face and a topknot, sits in full lotus position beside an altar. He wears a monastic robe accented with thin golden lines. Disciples, Bodhisattvas, Heavenly Kings, and heavenly beings stand beside the Buddha on a balcony decorated with spiral patterns. The left side of the illustration is filled with scenes from the Lotus Sutra, each accompanied by an inscription within a cartouche.
The figures and the buildings in the illustration are depicted with fine, delicate lines. Only the faces of the Buddha and a few prominent figures are colored, making them stand out. The illustrations and inscriptions are done with the expensive materials of gold ink and indigo paper.