Minneapolis Institute of Art

Embroidered Amida Triad in the form of Sanskrit Syllables

Japan

Date

14th century

Medium

Embroidered silk, possibly human hair

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This is an example of a shūbutsu, or an embroidered Buddhist image. Three large Sanskrit seed syllables, appearing encircled under a golden canopy, represent the Amida triad: Amitābha (Jp. Amida) Buddha in the center; and the bodhisatvas Mahāsthāmaprāpta (Jp. Daiseishi bosatsu) and Avalokiteśvara (Jp. Kannon) on the left and right, respectively. The cartouches at the top right and left corners read: (Right) The light of Amida illuminates the entire world (Left) All who praise Amida will attain salvation. A monk or a devotee stitched the seed syllables—the most sacred parts of the image—with their own hair as a way to accumulate merit. This act, of embroidering one’s hair into a Buddhist image, was not uncommon, especially among women. Hair was considered a precious offering because it symbolized a corporeal sacrifice. Japan, Asia

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