Fragment of the Illustrated Life of Priest Hōnen
Titles
- 法然上人伝法絵断簡
- Hōnen Shōnin E-den Emaki
Artist
Anonymous
Date13th-early 14th century
GeographyJapan
Mediumink and color on paper
Dimensions42 x 17 3/8 in. (106.7 x 44.1 cm)
painting: 12 1/2 x 14 1/8 in. (31.8 x 35.9 cm)
painting: 12 1/2 x 14 1/8 in. (31.8 x 35.9 cm)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Theodore A. Cooke, 1955 (2111.1)
Object number2111.1
DescriptionHandscroll fragment of the Hönen Shönin E-den Emaki, which depicts the life of the famous Heian/Kamakura period monk Hönen (1133-1212), the founder of the Jödo, or Pure Land Buddhism. In this fragment, painted in ink and colors on mica-coated paper, Hönen is shown seated on a level outcropping by the sea. Another priest is seated in the foreground, and behind both figures are tall rocks and trees. The lady described in the story is shown in a boat nearby with two attendants. The rocks are painted in thick lines of pale ink, with overlays of green, brown, and blue pigment. The two priests are shown with gray robes, and their skin is painted in ocher. The women in the boat are dressed in Heian-period attire, with pink, blue, white, and green pigments in their robes. The water is painted in pale blue wash. There are clear traces of pentimenti immediately to the left of and partially overlapping the figure of Hönen; apparently the artist changed the figure's location well after the design had been completed.On View
Not on viewCollections
Anonymous
late 13th cetury - early 14th century
c. 3rd century A.D.
2500 - 2400 B.C.
Late 19th- early 20th C.
