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Shakyamuni preaching

16th century

Medium: Color and gold on silk panel
Classification: Paintings
Dimensions: H x W (image): 103.4 x 48.2 cm (40 11/16 x 19 in)
Culture: Buddhists
Museum: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Asian Art
Credit line: Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Rights: CC0 (Smithsonian Open Access), as the museum states it.
Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

About this work

The Historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, is shown seated on a throne in the form of a lotus, an important symbol in Buddhism representing, among other concepts, purity, perfection, and divine birth. The Buddha raises his right hand in a symbolic gesture, or mudra, of protection and reassurance, and his expression reflects a contemplative tranquillity that inspires peaceful meditation. This painting was originally mounted as a hanging scroll to be displayed on special occasions of ceremony or worship.