The Buddha Descending from the Mountain
出山釈迦図
Liang Kai · 13th century (Southern Song dynasty) · Hanging scroll
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The Buddha Descending from the Mountain is a National Treasure hanging scroll, ink and light color on silk, by the Southern Song court painter Liang Kai (13th century), showing the Buddha leaving the deep mountains without enlightenment after long ascetic practice. It is held by the Tokyo National Museum.
- Artist
- Liang Kai
- Date
- 13th century (Southern Song dynasty)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
Liang Kai was a Southern Song court painter. This work shows the Buddha leaving the deep mountains after long ascetic practice without having reached enlightenment. In the picture, the Buddha in a red robe stands at the foot of a cliff, with withered trees spreading their branches around him.
The bold composition, built on a cliff jutting out along a diagonal, and the rough brushwork seen in the earthen bank and the withered tree show originality. The emaciated Buddha, by contrast, is rendered in a fine, realistic manner, with a carefully modeled sense of volume in the face.
This work was originally made separately from the two snowy landscape scrolls, but after entering the collection of the Ashikaga shogun family, the three came to be appreciated as a set. The painting itself measures 117.6 cm tall and 52.0 cm wide, and is designated a National Treasure.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Tokyo National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Taito City, Tokyo Accession no. TA-617
Plan your visit to Tokyo National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Tokyo National Museum, which holds "The Buddha Descending from the Mountain".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted The Buddha Descending from the Mountain, and when?
- The Buddha Descending from the Mountain is by Liang Kai, made in 13th century (Southern Song dynasty). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see The Buddha Descending from the Mountain?
- It is held by Tokyo National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Tokyo National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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