地獄図|Scenes of the Buddhist Hell
The Met
Artist: Shōsai 松斎(Japanese, active second half of the 19th century)
Date: second half 19th century
Department: Asian Art
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Dimensions: Image: 76 15/16 × 33 1/4 in. (195.4 × 84.4 cm) Overall with mounting: 8 ft. 4 1/4 in. × 42 5/8 in. (254.6 × 108.2 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2020
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Vertical painting of numerous figures in a mountainous landscape with fire and clouds
Detailed Description
The artwork is a tall, narrow vertical composition depicting a complex arrangement of elements across a mountainous landscape. The upper section features a swirling, cloud-filled sky in shades of dark blue and gray, populated by several figures. On the far left, a figure hangs upside down. To its right, another figure with red skin holds a weapon amidst the clouds. In the upper right, a large, red-faced figure with a beard and elaborate headwear sits behind a blue, draped table, appearing to write on a scroll. Other smaller figures are positioned around this central scene, some kneeling, some standing. Below this, the landscape transitions into a series of rocky, green and brown mountains and valleys. Numerous figures populate this middle ground. On the left, a large, muscular figure with a staff walks forward. To the right, a prominent area of bright red flames engulfs several smaller figures, who appear to be in distress. Other figures are scattered throughout the mountainous terrain, some walking, some sitting, some appearing to be led. A small hut with a thatched roof is visible on the right side. The lowest section of the artwork continues the mountainous landscape, with a large area of intense red and orange flames emanating from a dark pit or chasm on the left. Several figures are near this fiery area; some appear to be falling into it, while others are positioned as if being moved or recoiling. A large, light-skinned figure with a red garment stands on the right, looking towards the flames. The overall color palette is muted, with greens, browns, and grays, punctuated by vibrant reds for the flames and some lighter tones for figures.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
