Artwork

Luring the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Out of a Cave; Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu)

Luring the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Out of a Cave; Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu) is an unspecified painting by the Japonisme artist Kono Bairei. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting combines two distinct narratives indicated by its title: the Shinto myth of the sun goddess Amaterasu being lured from her heavenly cave, and the Buddhist Nehan-zu scene depicting the death of the historical Buddha. A cave is depicted, providing the visual setting for the Amaterasu episode, while the title's reference to Nehan-zu signals the presence of a reclining Buddha figure surrounded by mourners. Together, these motifs juxtapose the return of light after concealment with the Buddha's passage into parinirvana, evoking themes of renewal, impermanence, and the harmonious interplay of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs in Meiji-era Japan.

History & Provenance

This painting was created by Kōno Bairei in 1892 in Japan. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which lists the work as part of its holdings. No further details about its commission, intermediate ownership, or acquisition history are documented in the available sources.

Overview

Kōno Bairei, a Kyoto-based artist, created Luring the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Out of a Cave; Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu) in 1892.

Kōno Bairei, a Kyoto-based artist, created Luring the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Out of a Cave; Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu) in 1892. This painting, characterized by its landscape elements and japonisme aesthetic, is notable for its dual composition. It is currently held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work reflects Bairei's artistic versatility beyond his renowned kacho-e specialization during Japan's Meiji period.

Technique & Style

Bairei's painting exhibits characteristics of the japonisme style, integrating Japanese aesthetic principles with a broader artistic sensibility. The composition is presented across two panels, each framed by a decorative border of swirling gold patterns against a dark ground. While known for his bird-and-flower (kacho-e) paintings, Bairei demonstrates his skill in landscape, employing a nuanced approach to light and shadow to differentiate the two narrative sections. His connection to the Maruyama-Shijo school is evident in his refined brushwork.

Context

Kōno Bairei was an influential painter and illustrator active in Kyoto during the Meiji period (1868-1912), a time of significant cultural transformation in Japan. He was associated with the Maruyama-Shijo school, known for its blend of traditional Japanese and Western painting techniques. While celebrated for his mastery of kacho-e, this work demonstrates his broader engagement with diverse subjects and styles, including the emerging interest in japonisme, which saw Japanese art influencing Western aesthetics.