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6. Paradise of Amitabha Tibet 17th-18th c. paint on cotton 61cm x 42cm (24inches x 16.5inches) |
Amitabha is one of the five Jinas and represents the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. He is the Buddha of the beyond, death and afterlife, hence always being depicted in his Pure Land, or 'paradise'. Whilst this is a Tibetan painting, the Chinese influence at this period is very evident. Primarily the cloud forms, lucious foliage, voluminous robes covering both shoulders and Chinese style architectural elements give this a distinctly Chinese flavour. The gilding of the robes is very fine, and the painting is of good quality overall. This is a very classical and meditative thangka. The symmetrical arrangement of monks, deities, apsaras and pagodas conataining Buddhas in meditation form a pleasing composition for worshipful reflection. Detail: Central image Detail: |