Amitayus thumbnail 1
Amitayus thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Amitayus

Figure
1650-1700 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Amitayus (Tibetan Tse dpag med) is the celestial Buddha of the Western direction associated in Tibet with rituals to increase longevity. Belief in the possibility of rebirth in Sukhavati, the western paradise of Amitayus, through single minded devotion to him was especially strong in China but he was also worshipped in Tibet.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleAmitayus (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Cast and gilt copper with red lacquer and jewelled ornaments
Brief description
Figure of Amitayus, cast and gilded copper with red lacquer and jewelled ornaments, China, 1650-1700.
Physical description
Figure of Amitayus, Buddha of Infinite Life, seated cross-legged on a lotus throne, holding a vase in both hands. The ornaments (coronet, top-knot, earrings, necklaces, amulets, bracelets, anklets, etc) are set with turquoise, lapis lazuli and coral. The flesh is painted with transparent red lacquer, the hair opaque dark blue. The vase and top-knot are removable; bottom plate removed.
Dimensions
  • Height: 43.8cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Edward Louis Cappel, CIE
Subjects depicted
Summary
Amitayus (Tibetan Tse dpag med) is the celestial Buddha of the Western direction associated in Tibet with rituals to increase longevity. Belief in the possibility of rebirth in Sukhavati, the western paradise of Amitayus, through single minded devotion to him was especially strong in China but he was also worshipped in Tibet.
Collection
Accession number
M.436-1936

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Record createdDecember 9, 2008
Record URL
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