Welcoming Descent of Amida, the Buddha of Limitless Light, with Bodhisattvas Kannon and Seishi

13th century
Not on view
This embroidered scroll shows the Buddha Amida at center with attendant bodhisattvas descending to the earth on clouds to greet a person at the time of death. Kannon, at lower right, extends a small lotus pedestal, upon which the dead will travel to Amida’s Western Pure Land, a place free of suffering and pain. These hopeful images, whose makers often incorporated their own hair into the embroidery, were used in widely practiced deathbed rituals.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 刺繍阿弥陀三尊来迎図
  • Title: Welcoming Descent of Amida, the Buddha of Limitless Light, with Bodhisattvas Kannon and Seishi
  • Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
  • Date: 13th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Framed panel; embroidered silk and possibly human hair
  • Dimensions: Image: 39 1/2 x 15 1/4 in. (100.3 x 38.7 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 66 7/8 x 20 3/4 in. (169.9 x 52.7 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1912
  • Object Number: 12.37.166
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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