A RARE SET OF SEVEN PAINTINGS WITH SCENES OF THE LIFE OF BUDDHA

Estimated Value:

3.000 € - 5.000 €

Schätzpreis:

3.000 €

Description:

Tibet, 18th/ early 19h c.
Je ca. 31 x 27 cm R.
A set of seven Tibetan paintings with scenic and biographical representations from the life of the Buddha. The almost square-sized paintings are showing the most important events in the life of the Buddha between his birth and his final parinirvâna. The first picture (I) shows us the Buddha sitting on a lotus in front of a blue nimbus with golden rays. In front of the lotus throne and on the sides are devi (female gods), monks and the Indian gods Brahma and Vishnu paying hommage to the Buddha. On the second picture (II) we have the representation of the Buddha's birth by the queen Mâya standing by the Sala-tree and grasping a branch of this tree. Above is a scene showing queen Mâyas dream of the white elefant, and below is the story of the young Buddha performing his famous seven steps into the world. Lotus flowers are appearing under his feet. On the next picture (III) we can see the Buddha as the young prince of the royal family, his life at the court and his departure on the horse Kanthaka to leave the profane life in search for enlightment and wisdom.
The next painting (IV) displays the Buddha in front of a stupa taking off his crown and royal insignia. Then he is cutting his hair after his decision to become a sadhu in search for the truth. Two other scenes show the Buddha practising meditation. On the next picture (V) we have the story of Buddha's temptation by Mara the personification of the evil. He and his demonic attendants are attacking the Buddha to prevent his final renunciation of the world. The demons are painted in clouds of smoke and flames and all the attacks
are changing into a shower of fragrant flowers. On the following picture (VI) the central scene is the great passover or the parinirvana of the Buddha entering the absolute salvation. Monks and gods are assembled to mourn about the departure of the master. The last picture of the series (VII) explains the prophecy on the return of the next Buddha which will come into the world again as the great Buddha Maitreya. He will descend from the Tushita heaven on the divine ladder for teaching and preaching again the eternal law of
the dharma. We can see the Buddha on the ladder in a visionary cloud accompanied by gods. All framed under glass.
Important German private collection, collected in the 1970s and 80s, lmainly acquired at Schoettle Ostasiatica, Stuttgart
Published: Tibetica 37, Schoettle Ostasiatica Stuttgart, April 1979, no. 2462
Very minor wear and minor traces of age

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