Scene from The Illustrated Sutra of Past and Present Karma (Kako genzai e-inga-kyō; Matsunaga Version)
This illuminated sutra tells the story of the historical Buddha’s good deeds in his past lives and the path of his religious enlightenment from prince to bodhisattva and finally to Buddhahood.
This detached section from a longer handscroll, based on earlier Chinese models, illustrates the temptation of the prince by the demon king Mara and his army as they try to distract him from his meditation. Two of Mara’s sisters appear bearing skulls, and weapon-wielding demonic figures converge on the prince.
The supernatural power of the prince, however, repels all threats. Huge boulders to be cast at him will not move; flying arrows are arrested in midair; lightning, rain, and fire are transformed into blossoming flowers; the poisonous breath of dragons becomes a fragrant breeze.
This detached section from a longer handscroll, based on earlier Chinese models, illustrates the temptation of the prince by the demon king Mara and his army as they try to distract him from his meditation. Two of Mara’s sisters appear bearing skulls, and weapon-wielding demonic figures converge on the prince.
The supernatural power of the prince, however, repels all threats. Huge boulders to be cast at him will not move; flying arrows are arrested in midair; lightning, rain, and fire are transformed into blossoming flowers; the poisonous breath of dragons becomes a fragrant breeze.
Artwork Details
- 『過去現在絵因果経』 断簡 （松永本）
- Title: Scene from The Illustrated Sutra of Past and Present Karma (Kako genzai e-inga-kyō; Matsunaga Version)
- Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
- Date: late 13th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Handscroll; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: H. 10 15/16 in. (27.8 cm); W. 61 5/8 in. (156.5 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.300.7
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Unidentified artist
Zhou Wenju
early 20th century
Japan
1278
Chōbunsai Eishi
early 19th century
Japan
late 13th century
Sakai Ōho
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