Description
This rare image depicts the Crimson Crystal Buddha of Infinite Life, or Red Amida, with a red body; it is more common to see Red Amida with a red robe. His crown contains the Five Wisdom Buddhas who represent different aspects of wisdom. He is supported by a lotus flower with five- and single-pronged vajras, ritual implements derived from ancient Indian weapons. Their selection is particular to specific deities and rites and based on sacred texts.
Provenance
(N. V. Hammer, Inc., New York, NY, ?-1971, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?-1971); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH, 1971-present (1971-)
Accession Number
1971.164
Medium
hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Dimensions
Overall: 229.4 x 97.8 cm (90 5/16 x 38 1/2 in.); Painting only: 127.4 x 79.3 cm (50 3/16 x 31 1/4 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund