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『妙法蓮華経』 「観世音菩薩普門品」|“Universal Gateway,” Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra by Sugawara Mitsushige

Sugawara Mitsushige · dated 1257

This handscroll, "Universal Gateway," Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra, painted by Sugawara Mitsushige in 1257, offers a visual interpretation of Buddhist teachings on compassion. It is one of the earliest pictorial representations of this chapter, created about 50 years after the text arrived in Japan.

Look closely at the central Bodhisattva, depicted with a benevolent expression. This figure embodies the compassionate power to delay nirvana to help others, extending solace and salvation.

Sugawara Mitsushige used ink, vibrant colors, and gold on paper, applying delicate black outlines and gold dust to create a shimmering, sacred atmosphere. This technique was designed to evoke divine radiance, especially when viewed in the subdued lighting of temples.

The artwork's enduring presence at the Cleveland Museum of Art continues to share its message of benevolence and hope.

Details

It illustrates a chapter from the Lotus Sutra, a Buddhist text.
It illustrates a chapter from the Lotus Sutra, a Buddhist text.
Here is the Bodhisattva, offering salvation to those in need.
Here is the Bodhisattva, offering salvation to those in need.
The gold dust creates a shimmering, divine radiance.
The gold dust creates a shimmering, divine radiance.
The soft, undulating forms of the clouds provide a unifying element and suggest a heavenly realm.
The soft, undulating forms of the clouds provide a unifying element and suggest a heavenly realm.
Their varied postures and expressions hint at a diverse assembly seeking guidance.
Their varied postures and expressions hint at a diverse assembly seeking guidance.
Transcript

This scroll, painted in 1257, tells a story of compassion. It illustrates a chapter from the Lotus Sutra, a Buddhist text. Here is the Bodhisattva, offering salvation to those in need. His serene expression embodies the core teachings of the Sutra. The gold dust creates a shimmering, divine radiance. Even after centuries, his gentle blessing still reaches out.