An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Illustrated Miraculous Origins of the Yūzū Nenbutsu Schoolearly 1300s
This painting is the second of a set of two illustrated handscrolls. The first scroll depicts the biography of the Japanese Buddhist monk Ryōnin. This scroll begins with scenes of Ryōnin’s death and relates episodes illustrating the efficacy of following his teachings. Ryōnin asserted the total interconnectedness of all things and the spiritual benefit of intoning the name of the Buddha Amida for one another.
The other scroll from this two-scroll set belongs to the Art Institute of Chicago.
Handscroll; ink, color and gold on paper
Image: 29.7 x 1232.4 cm (11 11/16 x 485 3/16 in.); Overall: 30.3 x 1373.5 cm (11 15/16 x 540 3/4 in.)
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt, John L. Severance, and Edward L. Whittemore Funds
In a serene corner of the world, two illustrated handscrolls lay unfurled, whispering tales that transcended time. The first scroll, like the gentle dawn, holds the rich biography of Ryōnin, a revered Japanese Buddhist monk. His life, etched in delicate strokes, captures the essence of his journey—a pilgrimage of the soul.
As we turn to the second scroll, the atmosphere shifts gently, like a breeze rustling through cherry blossoms. It opens with a somber scene—the moment of Ryōnin's passing. There, amidst the stillness, his spirit lingers, casting a warm light that beckons echoes of his teachings. Here lies a tender reminder of the cycle of life and death, intertwined like the roots of ancient trees.
But this scroll does not dwell long on sorrow; rather, it blossoms into vibrant images illustrating the profound impact of Ryōnin's wisdom. With each brushstroke, we glimpse the moments where his teachings took flight, spiraling into the hearts of those who sought solace and connection. Ryōnin was not just a man but a river of understanding, flowing into the lives of others with an unwavering message: all things are beautifully interconnected.
At the beating heart of his philosophy was the practice of intoning the name of Buddha Amida—not merely a chant, but a promise, a gift shared among souls. It sang of compassion and community, echoing through the valleys and hills, as individuals gathered to lift each other up. The act of saying Amida's name became a sacred thread that wove together their existence, binding them in a tapestry of love and understanding.
Thus, the scroll unfurls its lessons: in life, in death, in every whispered name, Ryōnin's spirit inspires a dance of unity among all beings, reminding us of the gentle power of connection. Through these vivid scenes, we find ourselves immersed in a world that celebrates existence—a peaceful reminder that to resonate deeply, we need only to reach for each other, one sacred name at a time.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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