Seated Amida (Amitabha) (Translation)
密宗紅身阿弥陀佛像 南北朝時代 絹本着色 (Primary Title)
hanging scroll (Object Name)
Unknown (Artist)
Amida, one of the Five Buddhas in Esoteric Buddhism, is believed to enable the attainment of wisdom, compassion, and strength. Indian in origin, Amida was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794–1185) and retained its popularity through the Nanbokucho period. Here Amida appears as a red-bodied bodhisattva wearing an elaborate robe and a five-Buddha crown that symbolizes the five wisdoms of Esoteric teachings. His unique meditation gesture—-the right hand’s thumb and index finger forming a circle—-identifies him as the Amida Buddha. The two vajras forming the lotus stand convey Buddhist power and fundamental law. Sacred Esoteric paintings like this example are used as tools for both teaching and worship.
Shingon Esoteric Buddhism 真言密宗
Nanbokucho period (1336-1392)
Unsigned
None
None
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
On view in G224, Japanese, Case 18, 5/23/2013 - 5/6/2015
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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