Artwork preview

Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land (Sukhavati)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land. The Buddha sits cross-legged on a throne-like structure adorned with red and white details, surrounded by a pink aura. He has long black hair and wears orange and red robes. The Buddha's throne appears to float on multiple levels of greenery. A large tree with pink flowers and green leaves dominates the top portion. Multiple horizontal platforms protrude from the tree, crowded with people. Below the Buddha, numerous figures are gathered, many wearing red robes. The bottom left features a depiction of a burning building, possibly a hell scene, with flames and people. Buildings and mountains are also visible in the bottom section.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1700
Medium
Distemper with gold on cloth
Culture
Central Tibet
Dimensions
432 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette