Scene from the Life of the Buddha

early 15th century

Not on view

This scroll depicts Prince Shakyamuni abandoning palace life after encountering human suffering. At the lower right, Shakyamuni's father, King Shuddhodana, asks women to dance and play musical instruments to entice the prince to remain. The identities of the two women inside the palace and the image of the Buddha ascending on a cloud remain problematic. Judging by the palatial surroundings, the two women could be Shakyamuni's wife, Yashodara, and her lady-in-waiting, in which case the ascending Buddha would signify Shakyamuni's departure from the palace to pursue enlightenment.

Artwork Details

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仏伝図
Title: Scene from the Life of the Buddha
Period: Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Date: early 15th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Section of a wall panel mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Dimensions: Image: 29 1/2 × 43 1/2 in. (74.9 × 110.5 cm)
Overall with mounting: 68 5/8 × 51 3/4 in. (174.3 × 131.4 cm)
Overall with knobs: 68 5/8 × 54 1/2 in. (174.3 × 138.4 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 1993
Object Number: 1993.478.5
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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