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Vimalakirti and the Doctrine of Nonduality

dated 1308
Not on view
This handscroll depicts an episode from the Vimalakirti Sutra, the Buddhist scripture in which Vimalakirti, a layman, and Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, engage in a theological debate. According to the sutra, Vimalakirti proved the more subtle by remaining silent when asked to explain the ultimate meaning of the Buddhist Law. The subject appealed to China's Confucian elite, for it demonstrated how a cultured layman could surpass even a deity in his understanding of doctrine.

The scroll is a rare example of a preparatory draft, submitted for the approval of the future Emperor Renzong (r. 1311–20) before a final version in color was executed.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 元　王振鵬　維摩不二圖　卷
  • Title: Vimalakirti and the Doctrine of Nonduality
  • Artist: Wang Zhenpeng (Chinese, active ca. 1275–1330)
  • Period: Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
  • Date: dated 1308
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Handscroll; ink on silk
  • Dimensions: Image: 15 7/16 x 85 15/16 in. (39.2 x 218.3 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 15 13/16 in. x 29 ft. 4 5/8 in. (40.2 x 895.7 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Dillon Fund Gift, 1980
  • Object Number: 1980.276
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

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7361. Vimalakirti and the Doctrine of Nonduality

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More Artwork

More Artwork
The Daming Palace, Wang Zhenpeng Chinese, Handscroll; ink on paper, China
The Daming Palace
Formerly Attributed to Wang Zhenpeng
early 15th century
Dung-Chen, Brass, copper, cloisonné, Chinese
Dung-Chen
Chinese
1368–1644
Finches and bamboo, Emperor Huizong Chinese, Handscroll; ink and color on silk, China
Finches and bamboo
Emperor Huizong
early 12th century
Dragon Boat Regatta on Jinming Lake, Wang Zhenpeng Chinese, Handscroll; ink on silk, China
Dragon Boat Regatta on Jinming Lake
After Wang Zhenpeng
14th century (?)
Dung Chen, Cloisonne brass, Chinese
Dung Chen
Chinese
1368–1644

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