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The Bodhisattva Maitreya, Buddha of the Future

11th or early 12th century
Not on view
The cult of Amitayus, the Buddha of Eternal Life, was popular in Tibet, where his followers believed that devotion to this Buddha would prolong life. Amitayus is shown holding a jar containing the elixir of immortality, amrita, in his lap. He is richly bejeweled and has a golden complexion, creating radiance appropriate to his transcendent nature. He mediates in a heavenly assembly of bodhisattvas, flanked by two standing bodhisattvas typical of medieval eastern Indian art and an array of seated bodhisattvas who receive his doctrine. The seven figures in the uppermost register are monastic robed hierarchs. In the lower register is a couple, presumably donors of the painting, and a monk, likely their spiritual mentor.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Bodhisattva Maitreya, Buddha of the Future
  • Date: 11th or early 12th century
  • Culture: Tibet
  • Medium: Distemper on cloth
  • Dimensions: Overall: H. 54 1/2 in. (138.4 cm); W. 41 3/4 in. (106.1 cm)
    Framed: H. 76 1/2 (194.3 cm); W. 51 3/8 in. (130.5 cm); D. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1989
  • Object Number: 1989.284
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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ca. 1200–50
Portrait of Shakyashribhadra with His Life Episodes and Lineage, Distemper on cloth, Tibet
Portrait of Shakyashribhadra with His Life Episodes and Lineage
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early to mid-14th century
Mandala of Raktayamari, Mikyo Dorje, Distemper on cloth, Central Tibet
Mandala of Raktayamari
Mikyo Dorje
late 14th century
Lineage Portrait of an Abbot, Distemper on cloth, Central Tibet
Lineage Portrait of an Abbot
Central Tibet
ca. 1350
Mahasiddha Jnanatapa, Distemper on cloth, Eastern Tibet, Kham, Riwoche monastery
Mahasiddha Jnanatapa
Eastern Tibet, Kham, Riwoche monastery
ca. 1350

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