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The White Path to the Western Paradise across Two Rivers (Niga Byakudo), 1200s. Creator: Unknown
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The White Path to the Western Paradise across Two Rivers (Niga Byakudo), 1200s. Creator: Unknown
The White Path to the Western Paradise across Two Rivers (Niga Byakudo), 1200s. From the 1100s, Japanese Buddhists believed that they were living in a predicted period of apocalyptic cleansing that paved the way for a cycle of renewal to begin. These unlucky times-marked by wars, plagues, and natural disasters-called for straightforward routes to salvation. Prayers invoking the name of the Amida Buddha were popular means to ensure rescue, and images such as Niga Byakudo perfectly portray the perilous escape from the demons of disease and temptation. Here, the tiny figure of a monk-rendered multiple times to indicate movement-flees across the bridge into the Western Paradise, patterns of threatening waves and flames licking at his feet. The painting melds a system of belief with an easily grasped overlay of action; Lee admired the skill in this successful merger
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Media ID 19630871
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1185 1333 Hanging Scroll Kamakura Period
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The White Path to the Western Paradise across Two Rivers - A Perilous Escape to Salvation
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This photo print, titled "The White Path to the Western Paradise across Two Rivers (Niga Byakudo)" transports us back to the 1200s in Japan. During this tumultuous period marked by wars, plagues, and natural disasters, Japanese Buddhists believed they were living through an apocalyptic cleansing that would pave the way for renewal. In this artwork of unknown creatorship, we witness a tiny figure of a monk fleeing across a bridge into the Western Paradise. Rendered multiple times to indicate movement, he navigates his way amidst threatening waves and flames that lick at his feet. This painting serves as a powerful visual representation of the struggle against demons of disease and temptation. During these challenging times, prayers invoking the name of Amida Buddha became popular means for ensuring rescue and salvation. The image of Niga Byakudo perfectly captures this desperate quest for deliverance. What makes this artwork truly remarkable is its ability to merge complex religious beliefs with easily comprehensible action. It showcases not only skillful artistic execution but also offers insight into how people sought solace during periods of adversity. As we gaze upon this stunning piece from Heritage Art/Heritage Images collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art, we are reminded that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for redemption and renewal on our journey towards enlightenment.
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