Sakyamuni, Lao Tzu, and Confucius

After the blending of the Three Philosophies--Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism--was initiated in the tenth century, the interpretation of this unity became an increasing popular theme in painting during the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). In this work, Confucius approaches from the right, folding his hands in a bow to Shakyamuni Buddha, who wears a red robe and can be easily identified by his ushinisha, a cranial protuberance symbolizing wisdom. Holding a roll of his Daodejing (The Classic of the Way and Virtue), Laozi stands behind Shakyamuni with a warm smile across his face. The depiction of the three founders in such harmony conveys a thought prevalent during the mid-Ming period, when this painting was created.