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Portrait of Shandao (Zendō Daishi)

13th–14th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 善導大師像
  • Title: Portrait of Shandao (Zendō Daishi)
  • Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
  • Date: 13th–14th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
  • Dimensions: Image: 27 3/16 × 16 7/8 in. (69 × 42.8 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 62 1/2 × 23 in. (158.8 × 58.4 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 62 1/2 × 25 in. (158.8 × 63.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Lent by John C. Weber Collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art