Dainichi Nyorai
大日如来
Supreme Buddha of the Cosmos.
The life force who illuminates the universe.
Dainichi is the main deity of reverence in Japan’s Shingon Buddhism.
He is usually identifiable by his “Six Elements” hand position.
The five fingers of the right hand grasps the left index finger.
In Shingon, the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space are combined with a sixth element, the Mind.
The Mind (index finger) is said to make the other elements possible.
Dainichi Nyorai, iron with gilding, 27cm tall, 17-18th century, Japan.
#buddha #zen #art
Jade Dragons 玉龍
Early Chinese cultures worshiped dragons.
It was believed dragons were gods of water, that lived in the clouds and controlled the rain.
With rain necessary for a successful crop, worship of the dragon was important.
Noblemen from the Warring States Period (476 –221 BC) wore these dragon pendants carved from precious jade.
A common decoration on these jades is this “sprouting grain” pattern.
#jade #art #chicago #free #exhibition
Fudō Myō-ō 不動明王
bronze, 16cm tall, 14-15th century, Japan
Fudō Myō-ō is a dharmapāla (protector of knowledge) and a Wisdom King. Wisdom Kings are third in Buddhist hierarchy behind Buddha and bodhisattvas. He is usually depicted with a sword of wisdom in one hand, a coiled rope in the other hand, and surrounded by flames. He is said to cut through ignorance with the sword and bind violent emotions with the rope, while the surrounding flames consume evil.
On loan from Drs. Edmund and Julie Lewis
Exhibiting now in “The Path to Enlightenment: Religious and Buddhist Art of Japan”
#buddha #japaneseart #japan #artexhibition #freechicago
Just a reminder admission is now free. Your donations help us remain free! Consider donating today. Link to our GoFundMe in our biography. #gofundme #freechicago #free #chicago
Daruma
Daruma (Bodhidharma) was an Indian or Central Asian Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th/6th century and is credited with the spread of Chan Buddhism in China, which became Zen Buddhism in Japan. Zen is said to be influenced by Taoist philosophy.
This figure of Daruma is now on display as part of our Fall 2019 exhibit "Path to Enlightenment: Buddhist and Religious Art of Japan."
Vietnamese Bronze and Ceramic Vessels
During the millennium from the first to the tenth century, Chinese influence continuously expanded and contracted into northern Vietnam. Immediately following the period known as the Han-Viet, when bronze was used for ritual vessels, pottery examples based on the shapes of bronze counterparts were produced.
Covered Hu with Chain Handle
Bronze, H. 31 cm
2nd century, Dong Son Culture, Vietnam
On loan from the MacLean Collection
Hu
Glazed Stoneware, H. 26 cm
1st-3rd century, Vietnam, Giao Chi period
On loan from the MacLean Collection. Now on display as part of our Southeast Asia exhibitions.
Rediscovered Jade Treasures
"Rediscovered Jade Treasures" exhibition opening May 7th.
Heritage Museum of Asian Art Introduction
A brief introduction to Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Located in Chicago's Chinatown, Heritage is one of very few museums in the United States dedicated to the arts of Asia.
Heritage Museum of Asian Art
218 W 26th Street
Chicago, IL 60616
Open 11am - 5pm Tuesday through Sunday
Closed Monday
https://heritageasianart.org/
Produced by:
SparkRaw Media
https://www.sparkraw.com/
Heritage Museum of Asian Art of Chicago is free and open until 8pm the first Friday of every month! The next free day is this Friday, October 5th! We hope to see you soon!