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Lot 128
AMITHABA IN HIS PALACE OF THE WESTERN PARADISE - SUKHAVATI
Estimated Value:
800 € - 1.200 €
Result:
6.475 € incl. Premium and VAT
Description:
Tibet, 19th c.64 x 46 cm (112 x 64 cm)
In the midst of the triple-roofed gold temple of his paradise, Buddha Amitabha is enthroned on a white moon lotus. Sukhavati, the "sphere of bliss", is the name given to the Buddhafield in the west, presided over by the Buddha of the lotus family, the Buddha of "boundless light", Amitabha. It is the wish and the goal of the faithful to be reborn in this "Pure Land". The Tathagata Amitabha, whose red body colour symbolises the element of fire, but also the energy of compassion, is enthroned in the centre of the picture on a lotus, surrounded by the light radiation of his wisdom and knowledge. In the background, a multi-storey temple with golden roofs is erected, in the middle storey of which the "Buddhas of the three times" dwell, and with two side chapels. The Buddha is accompanied by the eight Mahabodhisattvas, on his left and on his right. They are all enthroned on lotuses rising from an enclosed lake, surrounded by rainbows. In front of the altar throne is a small offering table on which the human sense organs and other offerings are symbolically presented. In the lake in the foreground, beings are cavorting, some of them redeemed, reborn on lotuses. In the two chapels, White Tara, Bodhisattva of the "long life", is seated on the left, and Ushnishavijaya, the "mother of all Buddhas", on the right. Together with the "Buddha of Long Life" Amitayus, on the top floor, they form a triad that is invoked in rituals to prolong life. To live as long as possible, not only in years, is also helpful to attain the three virtues - compassion, wisdom and strength. In this image, Buddha Amitabha "personally" steps in front of the fence of the lake to welcome all the beings who gathered before him prostrating and giving offerings. A small covered gate is the entrance to the "Pure Land". Celestial beings to the left and right of the temple roof, surrounded by flowers and lucky clouds, send happiness and blessings over this Pure Land with their flags, standards and musical instruments. Tempera and gold on cotton fabric, inscriptions on the reverse. Brocade mount.
From an old Bavarian private collection, collected since the 1960s - Very minor traces of age
