Amida, the Buddha of Limitless Light
This sculptural configuration, known as an Amida Triad (Amida-sanzon), visualizes the “welcoming descent” (raigō) of Amida Nyorai (Sanskrit: Amitabha Tathagata) to this world, along with his heavenly retinue, to provide salvation for believers at the time of death. Amida, the Buddha of Limitless Light, sits upon a lotus pedestal at the center of the altar. He is flanked by his attendant bodhisattvas, Kannon (Sanskrit: Avalokiteshvara) at his right and Seishi (Sanskrit: Mahasthamaprapta) at his left.
Artwork Details
- 阿弥陀如来坐像
- Title: Amida, the Buddha of Limitless Light
- Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
- Date: ca. 1250
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Wood with lacquer, gold leaf, and color
- Dimensions: H. 34 5/8 in. (87.9 cm); W. 28 3/4 in. (73 cm); D. 22 3/4 in. (57.8 cm)
Overall (with pedestal): H. 61 in. (154.9 cm); W. 39 in. (99.1 cm); D.39 in. (99.1 cm) - Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1919
- Object Number: 19.140a–c
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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