Embroidered images—often the product of pious groups seeking to perform meritorious works–were revived by the Pure Land sect of Buddhism in the Kamakura period. In this rare embroidered raigō, Amida, attended by Kannon and Seishi, stands on descending clouds over embroidered flowering lotuses, which suggest the heavenly reward promised to those who believe in Amida's mercy. Suchimages were produced for use in a widely practiced service for the dead and often included the devotee's hair as part of the embroidery.
