Red Amida
Unknown Artist
1300s
Medium
hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Dimensions
229.4 × 97.8 cm · painting only: 127.4 × 79.3 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund
Accession Number
1971.164
About this artwork
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.