Shakyamuni Subjugating Demons
This scene depicts an episode from the life of the historical Buddha, as he is under attack from the demon king Mara, who seeks to interrupt his pursuit of truth. The Buddha withstood the attack and thus gained enlightenment. Some elements, such as the flaming dragon, the cave setting, and the Buddha’s gesture, represent shifts from conventional depictions of this scene.
Artwork Details
- 釈迦降魔図
- Title: Shakyamuni Subjugating Demons
- Artist: Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎 (Japanese, 1831–1889)
- Period: Meiji period (1868–1912)
- Date: ca. 1888
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Album leaf mounted as a hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
- Dimensions: 14 1/2 x 11 in. (36.8 x 27.9 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Charles Stewart Smith Collection, Gift of Mrs. Charles Stewart Smith, Charles Stewart Smith Jr., and Howard Caswell Smith, in memory of Charles Stewart Smith, 1914
- Object Number: 14.76.61.51
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎
1890
Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎
before 1870
Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎
late 19th century
Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎
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Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎
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