Artwork Page for Welcoming Descent of Amida with Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas

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Welcoming Descent of Amida with Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas

阿弥陀二十五菩薩来迎図

mid-1300s

Japan, Nanbokuchō period

(1336–92)
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink, color, gold, silver, and cut gold on silk
Measurements
Painting: 164.5 x 137.7 cm (64 3/4 x 54 3/16 in.); Mounted: 255 x 166.6 cm (100 3/8 x 65 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2025.138
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

One of the percussive instruments played by the bodhisattvas in the painting is called a paiban or hakuban in Japanese.

Description

This painting depicts the Buddha Amida arriving to escort a dying person to his Pure Land, or Western Paradise. He is attended by an entourage of 25 bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who are committed to serving others, many of whom provide orchestral accompaniment to herald the momentous occasion. The bodhisattva Kannon kneels, holding a lotus dais for the deceased to ride to their destination.
A hanging scroll depicts Amida Buddha standing centrally on a lotus throne. He has a light skin tone, a head protrusion, and a large circular halo. Flanking him, twenty-five Bodhisattvas on swirling ethereal clouds play instruments or kneel. All figures wear golden robes and gaze downward. The scene occurs within a dark, weathered brown rectangle, conveying a celestial descent through fine lines and muted tones against the aged silk background.

Welcoming Descent of Amida with Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas

mid-1300s

Japan, Nanbokuchō period (1336–92)

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