Scene from the Life of the Buddha

Japan

Not on view

This panel portrays the heretic Raudraksa fighting the Buddha's disciple Sariputra. Two of the six contests of their magical power are represented at the right: above, Sariputra causes a wind to blow down a large tree created by Raudraksa, and below, an elephant created by Sariputra drinks up the flood caused by Raudraksa. Sariputra's defeat of Raudraksa testifies to Buddha's Law, presented as an iconic gathering on the left.

Scene from the Life of the Buddha, Section of a wall panel mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan

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painting

Scene from the Life of the Buddha, Section of a wall panel mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan
Scene from the Life of the Buddha, Section of a wall panel mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.