Shakyamuni under the Bodhi Tree
Unknown Artist
1600–1650
Medium
hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Dimensions
painting: 128.5 × 62 cm · overall with knobs: 259 × 82.5 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1971.68
About this artwork
The historical Buddha Shakyamuni is seated in meditative posture upon the backs of three demons under the bodhi tree, where he achieved enlightenment. All three demons have horns like devils, and two have green skin. While they accommodate the Buddha, his weight seems to keep them under control. Since the Buddha’s hands do not conform to any accepted gesture, the specific religious event portrayed is unclear.