The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Buddha Shakyamuni, Five Past Buddhas, and Maitreya
- Date: ca. 15th century
- Culture: Tibet
- Medium: Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink
- Dimensions: H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); W. 27 1/2 in. (69.9 cm); D. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Jeffrey B. Soref, 1983
- Object Number: 1983.548
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Tibet
late 15th century
Central Tibet
ca. 1700
Tibet or Mongolia
17th century
Western Tibet or Ladakh
14th century
Central Tibet
12th century
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