Buddha
Artist
Unknown
CultureTibetan
Datelate 18th century-early 19th century
MediumWatercolor | Cloth
DimensionsOverall: 38 x 25 3/4 in. (96.5 x 65.4 cm)
InscribedThree line Tibetan inscription in gold on blue ground extending width of painting at bottom.
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.247
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.
Unknown
10th century A.D.
