Anonymous: Sakyamuni, Lao Tzu, and Confucius (Ming dynasty)

 

(Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., USA)

A painting made by an unknown Chinese artist. This piece shows the founders of the so-called Three Philosophies. From left to right:

- Lao Tzu: founder of Taoism or Daoism

- Shakyamuni Buddha: founder of Buddhism. He is holding a roll of his Daodejing (The Classic of the Way and Virtue)

- Confucius: founder of Confucianism

These three are considered the “three pillars” of ancient Chinese society. As philosophies and religions, they not only influenced spirituality, but also the government, science, the arts, and social structure. Painting from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).