Untitled

Unknown

ca. 15th century · Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink · Asian Art

This painted interior of a manuscript cover depicts the historical Buddha Shakyamuni with five past Buddhas—a popular association. Buddha Shakyamuni is represented in a monk’s patchwork robe, and the Transcendent Buddhas are dressed in princely attire, crowned and bejeweled. Each sits on an elaborate throne flanked by pairs of lions and leogryphs. Finally, Maitreya, the messianic Buddha of the future, is also depicted.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 15th century

Medium

Wood with red pigment, gold, and ink

Culture

Tibet

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Jeffrey B. Soref, 1983