Artwork
Demon Intoning the Name of the Buddha
Demon Intoning the Name of the Buddha is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1749 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work is a painted wooden panel of considerable length, its surface divided into three zones.
About this work
Overview
The work is a painted wooden panel of considerable length, its surface divided into three zones. Carved figures occupy the left and right extremities, while the central portion remains a plain, bordered plane. The composition presents two similarly rendered, dynamic figures, each clutching a scroll‑like object and rendered with exaggerated, fierce expressions.
Subject & Meaning
Both figures appear as demonic or wrathful beings, distinguished by wild hair, sharp teeth and swirling garments. Their aggressive postures and the presence of scrolls suggest a narrative function, perhaps invoking a warning or a ritual chant associated with the name of the Buddha, as implied by the title.
Technique & Style
The panel combines low relief carving with painted surfaces, allowing the sculptural depth to emphasize the figures’ contorted forms. The carving is executed in a high‑contrast, dark wood, while the painted details accentuate the dramatic facial features and the fluidity of the robes, creating a stark visual impact.
History & Provenance
The piece is catalogued under the title “Demon Intoning the Name of the Buddha.” It is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed among other works of similar medium and thematic content, though specific acquisition details are not provided.
Artist & collection
