Shakyamuni Subjugating Demons

Shakyamuni Subjugating Demons

Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This scene depicts an episode from the life of the historical Buddha, as he is under attack from the demon king Mara, who seeks to interrupt his pursuit of truth. The Buddha withstood the attack and thus gained enlightenment. Some elements, such as the flaming dragon, the cave setting, and the Buddha’s gesture, represent shifts from conventional depictions of this scene.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.