Red Amida1300s · Study 1971.164

Context from the museum

This rare image depicts the Crimson Crystal Buddha of Infinite Life, or Red Amida, with a red body; it is more common to see Red Amida with a red robe. His crown contains the Five Wisdom Buddhas who represent different aspects of wisdom. He is supported by a lotus flower with five- and single-pronged vajras, ritual implements derived from ancient Indian weapons. Their selection is particular to specific deities and rites and based on sacred texts.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

Red Amida holds his hands in a mudra, or gesture, of welcome, as he receives worshipers to another plane called the Pure Land.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting only measurement for Red Amida is 79.3 cm wide and 127.4 cm high, equivalent to approximately 31.2 × 50.2 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.62:1. The rectangular bounding area is 1.01 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 26.4% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 110.3 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Red Amida in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 79.3 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?