The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya

Tibet

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253

This painted interior of a manuscript cover depicts the historical Buddha Shakyamuni with five past Buddhas—a popular association. Buddha Shakyamuni is represented in a monk’s patchwork robe, and the Transcendent Buddhas are dressed in princely attire, crowned and bejeweled. Each sits on an elaborate throne flanked by pairs of lions and leogryphs. Finally, Maitreya, the messianic Buddha of the future, is also depicted.

The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet

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The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet
The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet
The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet
The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet
The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet
The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet
The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet
The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet
The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya, Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink , Tibet

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