Sakyamuni Emerging from the Mountains

Maker(s)
Artist: Traditionally attributed to Hu Zhifu 胡直夫 (13th century)
Historical period(s)
Southern Song dynasty, mid 13th century
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (image): 92 x 31.7 cm (36 1/4 x 12 1/2 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1965.9a-g
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Hanging scroll (mounted on panel)

Keywords
Buddhism, China, Southern Song dynasty (1127 - 1279), Zen Buddhism
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

The theme of Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha, emerging from the mountains became increasingly important in the Chan (or Zen) sect of Buddhism during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). This painting, traditionally attributed to a little known painter Hu Zhifu, depicts some of the facial features, such as hair and beard, in detail, while the drapery of the robe was executed in a much more expressive manner. It has been suggested that the hidden hands of Sakyamuni symbolize his enlightenment with the ultimate truth.

The inscription at the top of the painting was written by the much better known Chan master Xiyan Liaohui (1198-1262), which can be rendered:

At midnight, he beheld the shining star,
In the mountains, he appended cold remarks.
Before his feet emerged from the mountains,
His remarks traveled through the world:
When I look at all the living creatures,
Becoming Buddha happens many times.
There is only you, you poor old fellow,
Who still is unaware of where he is.


To learn more about this and similar objects, visit http://www.asia.si.edu/SongYuan/default.asp Song and Yuan Dynasty Painting and Calligraphy.

Published References
  • Thomas Lawton. "画中人 上海书画出版社." Chinese Figure Painting. Shanghai, China. .
  • Suzuki Kei. Chugoku kaiga sogo zuroku [Comprehensive Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Painting]. 5 vols., Tokyo, 1982-1983. vol. 1: p. 250.
  • Sogen minshin meiga taikan [General Catalogue of Famous Song, Yuan, Ming, and Ch'ing Paintings Exhibited in Tokyo]. Exh. cat. Tokyo. cat. 72.
  • Baron Kawasaki. Sale Catalogue of the Kawasaki Collection., 1928. cat. 11.
  • Helmut Brinker. Shussan Shaks in Sung and Yuan Painting. vol. 9 Washington and Ann Arbor. pl. 7.
  • Richard Edwards. The Heart of Ma Yuan: The Search for a Southern Song Aesthetic. Hong Kong. p. 19 and Plate 4a, fig. 1.8.
  • Paths to Perfection, Buddhist Art at the Freer/Sackler. Washington. pp. 56-57.
  • Thomas Lawton. Chinese Figure Painting. Exh. cat. Washington, 1973. cat. 21, pp. 102-105.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Song and Yuan Dynasty Painting and Calligraphy
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use