Raising the Alms-Bowl

unidentified artist
Formerly Attributed to Zhao Boju Chinese

Not on view

This painting tells the story of how the Buddha converted the child-eating demon Guizimu (Hariti, in Sanskrit) to the Buddhist faith. To show her the pain that her abductions and carnage were causing, the Buddha imprisoned one of Guizimu’s children under a magical bowl; the chaotic scene shows Guizimu’s demon armies futilely trying to lift the bowl and free the child. The Buddha watches, hovering in mid-air, backed by flames and accompanied by luohans and other followers. This painting was made with the intent to deceive: the many early collection seals are fake and were added to make the painting look older (and more valuable) than it was.

Raising the Alms-Bowl, unidentified artist Chinese, Handscroll; ink, color, and gold on paper, China

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