In scriptures, Amitābha sits under a jeweled canopy at the center of a palatial structure, surrounded by monks, disciples, and bodhisattva attendants. This painting elaborates on that description.
Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī Paradise Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī Paradise (ca. 1700) by UnknownSan Antonio Museum of Art
This outstanding thangka, or scroll painting, features a complex composition executed in vivid pigment and gold painted on cotton, thus making the piece even more impressive considering its unusually large size.
Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī ParadiseSan Antonio Museum of Art
The quality and complexity of this work indicate that it was produced at one of the major monasteries in central Tibet. The golden figure of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, sits at the center of the painting, surrounded by a mandorla.
Body language, especially hand gestures, are significant to Buddhist artworks. In this piece, Buddha Amitabha sits in the dhyana mudra position with his right hand over his left hand and thumbs touching, symbolizing deep meditation, contemplation, and reflection.
The Buddha rests on a lotus supported by a throne, presiding in his realm of Sukhavati, the Western Paradise. Amitabha became a focal point of Buddhist rituals, especially in East Asia by the eighth century.
Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī ParadiseSan Antonio Museum of Art
Surrounding the Buddha Amitabha, there are over one hundred figures paying homage and making offerings to the Buddha.
Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī ParadiseSan Antonio Museum of Art
Female angels and deities fly through the air, which is raining flowers and jewels.
Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī ParadiseSan Antonio Museum of Art
In the foreground, a pond is surrounded by flowering trees and flying ducks.
Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī Paradise Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī Paradise (ca. 1700) by UnknownSan Antonio Museum of Art
The composition, showing Amitābha’s promise of salvation fulfilled, survived as a model for similar visions of the Western Paradise wherever the Pure Land faith spread.
Tap to explore
Amitābha Buddha in Sukhāvatī Paradise is currently on view in the Tibetan Art Gallery located in the Lenora and Walter F. Brown Asian Art Wing.
