Who painted Lotus Sutra with a Frontispiece?

Lotus Sutra with a Frontispiece was painted by Unknown in 1104.

Where can I see Lotus Sutra with a Frontispiece?

Lotus Sutra with a Frontispiece is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Lotus Sutra with a Frontispiece?

Lotus Sutra with a Frontispiece is associated with Song dynasty painting.

Artwork

Lotus Sutra with a Frontispiece

Unknown , 1104

Lotus Sutra with a Frontispiece is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1104 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This artwork is a Buddhist scripture from the Song Dynasty, comprising a frontispiece illustration and the Lotus Sutra text.

Accession no.: 1970.64
Credit line: John L. Severance Fund

About this work

The glow from the Buddha’s forehead lights up thousands of worlds, artists used gold to show divine light before electricity.

You see a long scroll with tiny figures gathered on a mountain, all facing one man who glows with golden light.

This is the start of a sacred Buddhist text from the Song Dynasty. The glow from the Buddha’s forehead lights up thousands of worlds, artists used gold to show divine light before electricity. The crowd includes gods, monks, and even dragons, all listening to the same teaching.

If you like this, look up more about china, song dynasty (960–1279).

Overview

This artwork is a Buddhist scripture from the Song Dynasty, comprising a frontispiece illustration and the Lotus Sutra text. It is presented in a long scroll format, featuring intricate and densely populated scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The frontispiece depicts the Buddha Shakyamuni preaching on Vulture Peak, surrounded by various figures including arhats, bodhisattvas, and gods. The scene illustrates key episodes and promises from the sutra, including the attainment of Buddhahood and the efficacy of creating Buddha images.

Technique & Style

The illustration is characterized by the use of gold to represent divine light emanating from the Buddha's forehead, a technique used to convey sacredness before the advent of electric lighting. The scene is densely populated with tiny figures, showcasing the artist's skill in composition and detail.

Context

The Lotus Sutra is a central text of the Mahayana school of Buddhism, promising salvation and Buddhahood to devotees, including female followers. The artwork reflects the significance of this text within Buddhist practice and doctrine during the Song Dynasty.