Object Details
- Label
- 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 of the Way and Virtue), Laozi stands behind Shakyamuni with a warm smile across his face. The depiction of the three founders in such harmony conveys a thought prevalent during the mid-Ming period, when this painting was created.
- Provenance
- To 1916
- Li Wenqing (late 19th-early 20th century), Shanghai, to 1916 [1]
- From 1916 to 1919
- Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Li Wenqing, in New York, in 1916 [2]
- From 1920
- Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
- Notes:
- [1] See Original Kakemono and Makimono List, L. 1281, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives. See also, LVC Catalogue, 1915, No. 79.
- [2] See note 1.
- [3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
- Collection
- Freer Gallery of Art Collection
- Exhibition History
- Buddhist Art (May 9, 1993 to August 9, 2011)
- Previous custodian or owner
- Li Wenqing 李文卿 (ca. 1869-1931) (C.L. Freer source)
- Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Charles Lang Freer
- 1368-1644
- Period
- Ming dynasty
- Accession Number
- F1916.109
- Restrictions & Rights
- CC0
- Type
- Painting
- Medium
- Ink and color on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W (image): 61.5 x 59.9 cm (24 3/16 x 23 9/16 in)
- Origin
- China
- Related Online Resources
- Google Cultural Institute
- See more items in
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Topic
- Buddhism
- Daoism
- Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644)
- Confucius
- Laozi
- China
- Shakyamuni
- Chinese Art
- Charles Lang Freer collection
- Record ID
- fsg_F1916.109
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ye3ecb409b0-5767-4667-b8d6-e4e657ca69f6
