Buddha Seated on Lotus Throne 1644 - 1911

This hanging scroll depicting a Buddha seated on a lotus throne was created by Jiang Jun, using ink and color on silk. The artist's choice of materials, particularly the silk support, gives the painting a distinctive character. Silk, a prized material in Chinese art, lends a smooth, absorbent surface ideal for ink and delicate color washes. The process of preparing the silk, stretching it taut on a frame, and then applying layers of ink requires patience and precision. The visual texture comes from the contrast of ink and silk, setting off the gold highlights. Consider too the social context of silk production – an industry reliant on skilled labor. The making of this painting extends beyond the artist's hand, connecting to broader networks of production and consumption. Recognizing the value of materials and processes allows us to understand the full meaning of the work.