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1. Maitreya, Lokesvara, Sitatapatra and Narrative Scene Tibeto-Chinese circa 18th century Distemper on paper height x width: 106 x 172 cm / 41¾ x 67¾ in |
Maitreya, Avalokitesvara and Sitatapatra is a superbly rendered Tibetan painting in a horizontal format dating from the 18th century. Maitreya Buddha presides at the centre of the composition, flanked by the protector goddess Sitatapatra and the compassionate bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Surrounding these three are the other celestial deities and Tibetan monks from the Gelukpa order. It is likely that the painting served as a historical narrative connected with chief hierarchs in this order. |