018
The Buddha Amitabha's Paradise of Sukhavati ("Land of Bliss")
Thangka, painting
Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased (collagen) binder
18.75 x 28.25 inches
Indeterminate region
Ca. 18th or 19th century
Folk tradition
The painting in exhibit no. XXX (Note to Bobby, Previous painting) shows
the more commonly envisioned "flat as a frozen lake" landscape
of Sukhavati. However, this version shows a typical Tibetan mountain landscape.
The painting also emphasizes the importance of the Bodhisattvas of the land.
The two principle Bodhisattvas of Amitabha are Avalokiteshvara, the figure
to the Buddha's proper right, and Mahasthamaprapta, to the Buddha's proper
left. The goddesses Shyama Tara and Sita Tara appear in the lower corners.
They are present as benefactresses of humankind and are probably vow-bound
deities of the patron.
John Huntington
Museum #: 97.072
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1020