Artwork preview

Illustrated Biography of Hōnen (Shūikotokūden-e)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a traditional Japanese-style illustration with accompanying text. The illustration shows a two-story building with a green floor; the lower floor has a wooden floor. On the lower floor, a man kneels on the floor; on the upper floor, five men sit on the green floor. The upper floor appears to have a railing or barrier around it. The men wear traditional Japanese clothing, primarily gray and white robes. The background of the illustration features a tan color with a darker border at the top and bottom. The border is black with a gold pattern; the tan background has a circular, patterned design. To the right of the illustration, there is a column of black Japanese text on a tan background. The overall color palette is muted, with earth tones dominant. The illustration style appears to be traditional Japanese. The image has a classic, aged look.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1310–20
Medium
Section of handscroll mounted as hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette