Shandao

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sitting upon a lotus pedestal is an eminent monk associated with the practice of Pure Land Buddhism, Shandao (Japanese: Zendō) of Tang-dynasty (618–906) China. He places his palms together as he contemplates the Buddha Amida (Sanskrit: Amitābha). Followers of Pure Land Buddhism aim to experience birth in the realm Amida, a paradise ideally suited for the pursuit of enlightenment. The sculpture is one of a pair, the other sculpture depicting Hōnen, of Kamakura-period (1185–1333) Japan. Shandao’s religious thought inspired that of Hōnen, and the two are often shown together in paintings. The paintings are based upon a vision of Shandao experienced by Hōnen. In the dream, the Chinese monk validates Hōnen’s mission to spread throughout Japan the belief in Amida’s salvific powers. The two face one another, Shandao floating above Hōnen on a bank of clouds. Sculpted, seated figures of the pair such as this are unusual, although paintings of the two seated facing forward in Chinese-style chairs are known. Both this sculpture and its mate are identified on their backs in ink.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art