Artwork Page for Buddha's Conversion of Five Bhiksu

Details / Information for Buddha's Conversion of Five Bhiksu

Buddha's Conversion of Five Bhiksu

佛渡五比丘圖

mid-1300s

Li Sheng 李升

(Chinese, active c. 1324–after 1375)
Culture
China, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
Medium
handscroll; ink on paper
Measurements
Painting only: 26.7 x 110.5 cm (10 1/2 x 43 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1997.92
Public Domain
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Location
240A Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy
Print

Description

This episode stems from the life of the historical Buddha, who, after his enlightenment, was initially hesitant about preaching his own doctrine. After much personal deliberation and prodding by deities, he finally relented. The first converts were the five guards who served him when he was still a prince. For Li Sheng, this is the pretext of the painting, which moves from the interaction of the bhiksu with the Buddha to a broader awareness of the vast surroundings of the scene.
A horizontal handscroll features black ink on paper. From the right, light blue and tan panels precede a central landscape of misty, craggy mountains with dense brushstrokes for trees and small buildings near water. To the left, three distinct panels contain vertical columns of Chinese calligraphy on tan and cream backgrounds. Several small, square red seals are scattered throughout. The composition emphasizes atmospheric depth with receding peaks and soft ink washes.

Buddha's Conversion of Five Bhiksu

mid-1300s

Li Sheng

(Chinese, active c. 1324–after 1375)
China, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)

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