Cleveland Museum of Art

Red Amida

Date

1300s

Medium

hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk

Culture

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

Department

Japanese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This rare image depicts the Crimson Crystal Buddha of Infinite Life, or Red Amida, with a red body; it is more common to see Red Amida with a red robe. His crown contains the Five Wisdom Buddhas who represent different aspects of wisdom. He is supported by a lotus flower with five- and single-pronged vajras, ritual implements derived from ancient Indian weapons. Their selection is particular to specific deities and rites and based on sacred texts. Red Amida holds his hands in a mudra, or gesture, of welcome, as he receives worshipers to another plane called the Pure Land.

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