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The Eight Hosts of Deva, Naga, and Yakshi, 1454. Creator: Unknown
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The Eight Hosts of Deva, Naga, and Yakshi, 1454. Creator: Unknown
The Eight Hosts of Deva, Naga, and Yakshi, 1454. The grandest of the Buddhist mortuary rites is the Water-Land ( shuilu ) ritual. This esoteric ceremony is conducted for the salvation of " all souls of the dead on land and sea." The ostentatious ritual was performed for imperial ancestors and high officials from the Song (960-1279) to the Ming dynasties and drew large crowds. On the second day of the weeklong ceremony, paintings are hung in the inner altar. This scroll represents the Eight Hosts of Celestial Nagas and Yakshis as described in the Lotus Sutra. Together with the scroll nearby, it belongs to a set of 36 Water-Land ritual paintings that are the finest works of their types known from the Ming period. With their bright, opaque colour and fine-line gilt decoration intact and unfaded, both paintings share a remarkable state of preservation
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Media ID 19627583
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1368 1644 Hanging Scroll Ink And Colour On Silk Ming Dynasty
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This print showcases "The Eight Hosts of Deva, Naga, and Yakshi" a magnificent piece of art created in 1454 by an unknown artist. The artwork is part of the Water-Land ritual, the grandest Buddhist mortuary rite aimed at saving all souls of the deceased on land and sea. During this elaborate ceremony that attracted large crowds from the Song to Ming dynasties, paintings were hung in the inner altar. This particular scroll depicts the Eight Hosts of Celestial Nagas and Yakshis as described in the Lotus Sutra. It is one of 36 exquisite Water-Land ritual paintings from the Ming period, known for their vibrant colors and intact gilt decoration. What makes this print truly remarkable is its exceptional state of preservation. The bright opaque colors and delicate gold detailing remain unfaded even after centuries. Its fine-line work on silk exemplifies Ming dynasty craftsmanship at its finest. Displayed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, this artwork offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese religious practices while showcasing intricate artistic techniques. As we admire this masterpiece captured by Heritage Art/Heritage Images, we are transported back in time to witness a sacred ceremony dedicated to honoring imperial ancestors and high officials. This print serves as a testament to both cultural heritage and artistic excellence—a true treasure preserved for generations to come.
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