Bodhisattva
Unknown Artist
c. 1200–1250
Medium
lacquered wood with color, gilt copper, and cut-gold (kirikane)
Dimensions
{"with base":{"height":0.762},"without base":{"height":0.559}}
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1952.90
About this artwork
This sculpture represents one of two bodhisattvas who flank the Buddha Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Life and Light. He has one foot in front of the other and his right leg bent at the knee to show that he is in motion; his torso also sways. He accompanies Amida as he descends to collect a dying person who has asked to be born after death into Amida’s Pure Land, a place conducive to progressing along the path to enlightenment.