Learn more about the artists, places, and themes in this exhibition.

The White Slave

Pose

Seated Amida Buddha, Muromachi period, 1333-1573, 14th-15th century, Japanese, Wood, lacquer, gold leaf, and jewels, 20 1/8 x 17 11/16 in. (51.1 x 45 cm) Overall h.: 16 1/16 in. Overall h.: 68.9 cm Diam.: 47.8 cm, Seattle Art Museum, Thomas D. Stimson Memorial Collection, 47.66

Seated Amida Buddha, Muromachi period, 1333-1573, 14th-15th century, Japanese, Wood, lacquer, gold leaf, and jewels, 20 1/8 x 17 11/16 in. (51.1 x 45 cm) Overall h.: 16 1/16 in. Overall h.: 68.9 cm Diam.: 47.8 cm, Seattle Art Museum, Thomas D. Stimson Memorial Collection, 47.66

Departing from the European painting which inspired this work, Wiley’s figure in The White Slave sits in a lotus pose commonly seen in Hindu or Buddhist sculpture like this 14th or 15th century Japanese Seated Amida Buddha—turning the gaze inward towards spiritual pursuits.