New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2008.

Buddha

Artist Unknown

Datelate 18th century-early 19th century

MediumWatercolor | Cloth

DimensionsOverall: 38 x 25 3/4 in. (96.5 x 65.4 cm)

ClassificationsAsian art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.247

Terms

Buddha
Gold
Blue
Emerald Green
Royal blue
Red
Orange
Tibet

On View

Not on view

DescriptionPainting has a large gold bodied Buddha at center in lotus position, hands in a variation of VITARKANUDRA (right at chest, thumb and index finger almost touching; left palm in lap). Emerald green halo around head, royal blue circle with orange border (both with gold radiants) encircle Buddha. Robe is red with fine pattern of cut gold leaf. Peony-like flowers encircle main figure who is seated on large lotus throne; lotus grows from surrounding water upon which ducks swim. On either side of thick lotus stem stand two female figures with writhing snakes for hair. Before them amid flowers are the mirror, guitar, fruit, wrap and censer symbolizing the 5 senses. A blue bodied demon sits at lower right corner on an island where monks inhabit small caves. Similar island lower left but with adoring seated figure. Around the Buddha are 16 adoring seated figures each on a lotus. Above his head floats a canopy. Above left are 16 red robed lohans seated on clouds; above right are eight small Buddhas before a Chinese temple, also in clouds. Asparas hover about.