Sakyamuni, Lao Tzu, and Confucius
1368-1644
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1916.109
Tags
About this artwork
After the blending of the Three Philosophies--Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism--was initiated in the tenth century, the interpretation of this unity became an increasing popular theme in painting during the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). In this work, Confucius approaches from the right, folding his hands in a bow to Shakyamuni Buddha, who wears a red robe and can be easily identified by his ushinisha, a cranial protuberance symbolizing wisdom. Holding a roll of his Daodejing (The Classic ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...