2-722-831 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Amitabha Triad, possibly 1400s. This hanging scroll illustrates a dramatic apparition of Buddha Amitabha (??? in Chinese) and the two attendant bodhisattvas, or saintly beings, in the midst of colourful light and swirling clouds. The one who carries a miniature image of Amitabha in its jeweled crown is Avalokitesvara (?? in Chinese); and the other who carries a flower vase is Mahasthamaprapta (??? in Chinese). Previously, this work was identified as a rare example of a Korean Buddhist painting from the early Joseon period. In contrast to surviving Korean works from this time the scroll stands out for its fine details. Elements such as the striped almond-shaped halo that encircles the main Buddha, firm red lines that define each deity’s facial features, and the naturalistic rendition of flowing garments identifies it as an excellent example of early Ming period Chinese Buddhist painting.