National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

This painting represents a scene where Shaka preaches while various Bosatsu, Judaideshi (Ten Greatest Disciples), Shitenno and various Tenbu are listening in Ryujusen (Mt. Ryoju) located outside the Oushajo (Rājagrha) in Magadha in Tenjiku (India) known to be Shaka's Jodo (Pure land of Buddhism). The mountain range of Ryujyusen is represented in the background and many scenes from the natural landscape are represented in the foreground. Various Buddhist images, including Shaka, are drawn based on the style of Buddhist paintings established in the Heian period and the style of the Sung (China) is also employed to create freshness and grace with a light touch. In terms of natural landscape, various geographical features such as mountains, rocks, mounds of earth, waterfalls and the water surface are included and pine trees and blooming trees are also represented. The vivid color of blue green properly inherited from the Sansui (landscape) patterns that was developed based on the Tang style in the Heian period has a deep flavor as well as fine structures and a feeling of silence, while even representing the features of the Kamakura period. This part attains a considerable proportion and by reviewing other works, it is identified that this is not just a natural landscape but also a scene representing a path to Ryujusen. This fact makes this painting not only a Seppo-zu, but also a unique painting representing adoration toward the heritage of Shaka.