Buddha Amitābha with Two Attending Bodhisattvas
1204
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1204
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
You see a golden Buddha sitting on a lotus, flanked by two helpers in flowing robes. Above them, Chinese characters repeat the same prayer ten times. This painting was made for Pure Land Buddhists who believed chanting the Buddha’s name would earn them a spot in paradise. The circle of light around the figures shows that paradise—bright, endless, and peaceful. If you like this quiet, spiritual style, look up china, southern song dynasty (1127-1279).
