Cleveland Museum of Art

Bodhisattva

Date

c. 1200–1250

Medium

lacquered wood with color, gilt copper, and cut-gold (kirikane)

Culture

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

Department

Japanese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This sculpture represents one of two bodhisattvas who flank the Buddha Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Life and Light. He has one foot in front of the other and his right leg bent at the knee to show that he is in motion; his torso also sways. He accompanies Amida as he descends to collect a dying person who has asked to be born after death into Amida’s Pure Land, a place conducive to progressing along the path to enlightenment.

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