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Buddha's Conversion of Five Bhiksu

Li Sheng

1304

unspecified

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Ming Painting Medieval Religious

Dominant colour

Buddha's Conversion of Five Bhiksu is a 1304 unspecified by Li Sheng, a Ming Painting work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Li Sheng
When & what style?: 1304 · Ming Painting
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting shows the Buddha seated on a rock as five robed men approach him. The men are the first five converts after his enlightenment. Li Sheng balances quiet figures with a sweeping landscape behind them. The scene starts tight and focused, then opens up to nature. The rocky ledge and distant mountains give the moment weight and space. It feels like a shift from doubt to certainty. Check out the details at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

The story of this work

Overview

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.

Read the full account in the museum source.