The Bodhisattva Fugen and Attendants

Object Details

• Label

  The bodhisattva (enlightened being) Fugen is generally represented as a majestic protective power. Here he is seen accompanied by a large heavenly retinue descending on a cloud to greet a soul departing from its earthly abode. While not an image inherently tailored to convey compassion and tender understanding, this use of Fugen in the raigo, or "welcoming descent," format expresses the tendency of most Japanese Buddhist sects in the late Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura periods (1185-1333) to tailor sometimes obscure doctrinal emphases in favor of responding to believers' need for assurance of peace in the afterlife.

• Provenance

  At least 1955-?

  Sh ōhei Kumita, Tokyo, Japan, method of acquisition unknown [1]

  ?-no later than 1959

  Ryō Hosomi, Osaka, Japan, method of acquisition unknown [2]

  By 1959

  Yamanaka and Co., New York, possibly as agent for Ryō Hosomi, Osaka, Japan [3]

  From 1963

  Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Yamanaka and Co., New York [4]

  Notes:

  [1] See “Fugen Jû-Rasetsu-nyo” in “Kokka” [journal] no. 759 (June 1955), pls. 6 and 7, where the titled work is described as being “in the possession of Mr. Shôhei Kumita, Tokyo.” Shōhei Kumita (1918-2004) was a respected collector, scholar, and dealer of Japanese art in Tokyo, Japan. His area of specialization was in paintings, and he acquired his connoisseurship skills through observing his father, also a collecting and dealer in Japanese art.

  [2] See object file for 1967 curatorial note by H. P. Stern, “Formerly in the collection of Mr. Ryō Hosomi.” Additionally, see object file for a letter from K. Takahashi to H. P. Stern dated September 20, 1963, mentions a group from the Freer Gallery being hosted by Hosomi, “and the other members of your museum are visiting Mr. Hosomi’s home on September 23rd.” There is no direct line, or published document, which illustrates this object being in the possession of Ryō Hosomi beyond these mentions in the object file.

  [3] See object file for copy of Freer Gallery of Art vault card V127.59, dated October 22,1959, showing that Mr. Yamanaka and Mr. Takahashi of Yamanaka and Co. left the object with the Freer for examination. The object is described as “1 Japanese painting – Kamakura – Buddhist – Fugen and attendants”.

  [4] See object file for copy of Yamanaka and Co. invoice to the Freer Gallery of Art, dated September 16, 1963, and approved by the Secretary on May 17, 1960.

  Research updated July 17, 2023

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Words of Wisdom: Buddhist Calligraphy from Japan (April 1, 2023 to February 25, 2024)

  In the Shadow of an Apocalypse (October 14, 2017 to October 28, 2018)

  Religious Art of Japan (December 18, 2002 to January 4, 2015)

  Japanese Art (July 1, 1974 to April 10, 1978)

  Japanese Art: Painting and Sculpture (July 1, 1966 to May 2, 1973)

• Previous custodian or owner

  Shôhei Kumita (1918-2004)

  Hosomi Ryoichi (1901-1978)

  Yamanaka and Co. 山中商会 (1917-1965)

• Origin

  Japan

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Painting

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1200s, 1300s

• Name

  Hosomi, Ryoichi, Yamanaka and Co., Kumita, Shôhei

• Place

  Japan

• Topic

  Fugen, Kamakura period (1185 - 1333), Art, Animals, Japanese Art, Anjali mudra, Children, Attendant, Elephants, Halo, Kakemono

• Culture

  Buddhists, Japanese

• Object Type

  Paintings