Minneapolis Institute of Art

Welcoming Descent of the Amida Buddha Triad

Japan

Date

early 14th century

Medium

Hanging scroll, ink, color, gold, and cut gold leaf (kirikane) on silk

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The luminous figure of Amida, the Buddha of Boundless Light, descends on a cloud along with two attendant bodhisattvas, Seishi at left and Kannon at right. In what is known as a raigō , or “welcoming descent, ” the salvific trio has descended from Amida’s paradise in the Western Pure Land to this world in order to rescue a deceased believer. The devotee will be transported to the Pure Land upon the small lotus pedestal that Kannon holds in his hands. Paintings such as this played an important role in deathbed rituals. Japan, Asia

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