/internal/media/dispatcher/746378/resize%25253Aformat%25253DthumbnailVairocana Buddha15th century38.71 x 34.29 cm (15 1/4 x 13 1/2 in.)Distemper on cottonGift of John Goelet67.8510Painting with decorative borders, mounted on support panel. Would have originally been in thangka format.
The Buddha Vairocana sits on an elaborate throne with his hands in the gesture of teaching. Lotus flowers appear above his shoulders, with a golden pot -- one of the Buddha's attributes -- on the left lotus. The central figure is surrounded by medallions framing figures of the Tathagata Buddhas and mortal religious leaders.
Like many of the thangkas given to the Museum by John Goelet, this painting relates to those made by Newari artists in the Tibetan monastery of Ngor, in Tsang province, in the fifteenth century.Paintings38.71000000002242701