Confucius and Buddha Cradling a Qilin
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1916.73
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
About this artwork
Zhe School
Art Historical Context
Behold *Confucius and Buddhaadling a Qilin*, a captivating 15th-century Chinese painting the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). This rare work depicts two towering figures of Eastern philosophy—Confucius, the sage of ethics and governance, and Buddha, the teacher—gently cradling a qilin, a mythical beast symbolizing prosperity, benevolence, and good omens. Such syncretic imagery beautifully reflects the Ming era's cultural blending of Confucianism and Buddhism, harmonizing spiritual traditions in a single auspicious scene. Formerly attributed to the legendary Tang dynasty artist Wu Daozi (active ca. 7...