Who painted 明/清佚名揭缽圖卷|Raising the Alms-Bowl?

明/清佚名揭缽圖卷|Raising the Alms-Bowl was painted by After Zhao Boju in 17th–18th century.

Where can I see 明/清佚名揭缽圖卷|Raising the Alms-Bowl?

明/清佚名揭缽圖卷|Raising the Alms-Bowl is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 明/清佚名揭缽圖卷|Raising the Alms-Bowl?

明/清佚名揭缽圖卷|Raising the Alms-Bowl is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

明/清佚名揭缽圖卷|Raising the Alms-Bowl

After Zhao Boju , 1699

明/清佚名揭缽圖卷|Raising the Alms-Bowl is an ink painting by the Baroque artist After Zhao Boju. It dates from 1699 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This handscroll, titled Raising the Alms-Bowl, depicts a vibrant street scene from a Buddhist narrative.

About this work

Technique & Style

The physical support of paper allows for the detailed rendering of these religious subjects, characteristic of Chinese painting traditions from that era.

Created in 1699, this handscroll is executed in ink, color, and gold on paper. The work, attributed to an anonymous artist working after Zhao Boju, measures 27.3 centimeters in height and 106 centimeters in width. As a religious painting classified within the genre of Buddhist narrative, the medium supports a formal depiction of figures including the Buddha, demons, men, and women.

The use of gold alongside traditional ink and pigments suggests a ceremonial or devotional function typical of the period's handscroll format. The physical support of paper allows for the detailed rendering of these religious subjects, characteristic of Chinese painting traditions from that era.

History & Provenance

Created in 1699 in China, this handscroll titled Raising the Alms-Bowl is attributed to an anonymous artist working in the style of Zhao Boju. Executed with ink, color, and gold on paper, the work dates to the late Ming or early Qing period. While the specific original commissioner and early ownership history remain undocumented in available records, the scroll entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently housed.

The piece measures 27.3 cm in height and 106 cm in width. Its creation reflects religious themes central to Buddhism, depicting figures such as the Buddha, demons, and laypeople within a narrative format typical of the era.

The handscroll Raising the Alms-Bowl, attributed to an anonymous Ming or Qing artist working after Zhao Boju, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Made in China and dated to 1699, the work is catalogued as a painting on paper, executed in ink, color, and gold in handscroll format, with recorded dimensions of 27.3 cm in height and 106 cm in width. The Metropolitan Museum of Art serves as both its collection and its location of conservation. No specific accession number or prior exhibition history is documented in the available records.

Overview

This handscroll, titled Raising the Alms-Bowl, depicts a vibrant street scene from a Buddhist narrative. Executed with ink, color, and gold on paper, the anonymous work from the Ming or Qing dynasty captures a moment of dramatic tension. The composition is filled with numerous figures, including monks, demons, and onlookers, conveying a sense of dynamic activity across its length.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork illustrates a specific Buddhist legend where malevolent spirits attempt to hinder a monk's spiritual act of raising his alms-bowl. This central conflict unfolds amidst a bustling environment, drawing attention to the struggle between good and evil forces. The narrative highlights themes of spiritual power and the challenges faced on the path to enlightenment, as depicted through the monk's steadfastness against demonic interference.

Context

This handscroll belongs to a rich tradition of Buddhist art in China, which frequently depicted didactic narratives and sacred legends. Such works served not only as devotional objects but also as visual aids for understanding complex spiritual teachings. The detailed portrayal of a miraculous event, involving both human and supernatural beings, aligns with common themes found in Buddhist iconography and storytelling across East Asia.