Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Portrait of Shandao (Zendō Daishi)
Not on view
Shandao (613–681) was a Chinese monk who played a foundational role in the development of Pure Land practice in Japan. Portraits such as this were used in services honoring the early teachers of Pure Land faith. Here, the monk is practicing nenbutsu, a recitation of Amida’s name to attain rebirth in paradise. The sound is represented by five tiny buddhas emerging from Shandao’s open mouth.
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