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Details
- Other Title
- Seated Dainichi Nyorai of the Matrix realm
- Place where the work was made
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Japan
- Period
- Edo (Tokugawa) period 1615 - 1868 → Japan
- Date
- 18th century-19th century
- Media categories
- Scroll , Painting
- Materials used
- hanging scroll; ink, colour and gold on silk
- Dimensions
- 109.5 x 51.4 cm image; 160.0 x 64.0 cm scroll
- Credit
- Gift Peter Muller 2008
- Location
- Not on display
- Accession number
- 312.2008
- Copyright
- Share
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About
The Great Illuminator, Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana in Sanskrit) is revered by the esoteric Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism as the source of the universe. Also known as the Great Sun Buddha, he is shown here surrounded by a double flaming aureole. The Buddha is seated on a lotus throne, the petals of which contain wish-fulfilling jewels to bring blessings to those who suffer, supported by a vajra (a diamond thunderbolt object used in Buddhist ritual).
With long hair, a crown, elaborate jewellery and a fine robe, Dainichi Nyorai is presented not as a Bbuddha but as a bodhisattva – an enlightened being who delays their own buddhahood to assist others on the quest. In this painting, his hands are held in meditation.
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Places
Where the work was made
Japan
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Exhibition history
Shown in 2 exhibitions
Glorious, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 27 May 2017–06 Jan 2019
Correspondence, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 10 Sep 2022–2024
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Provenance
Peter Muller, 1963-Aug 2008, Australia, purchased by the donor in Japan in 1963. Donated to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 2008.