The Buddha Amitayus

Amitayus, the Buddha of infinite life, grants longevity and is widely worshiped by the followers of Tibetan Buddhism in China. He is revered for his ability to facilitate the attainment of perfect wisdom. Amitayus is shown here as a majestic deity wearing elaborate jewelry and seated in the full lotus position. His hands, in the gesture of meditation, once held a vase filled with the elixir of immortality. The worship of Amitayus was quite popular during the reign of the Qianlong emperor in China, when thousands of his images were created in metal, precious stones, wood, painting, and embroidery for birthday presents. This sculpture is coated with Chinese lacquer dyed red with cinnabar and was once gilded. An image of this size and quality is rare, and it may have been commissioned by the Qianlong emperor to invoke the blessings of long life for his mother or for himself. It later may have graced the altar of a royal chapel or a large monastery like the ones in Chengde.