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Thanka
Tibetan
18th century
Object Place: Tibet
Medium/Technique
Distemper on cotton
Dimensions
67 x 54 cm (26 3/8 x 21 1/4 in.); Legacy dimension: 67.2 x 52.0 cm
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number21.733
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsPaintings
DescriptionPainting with no borders, possibly originally in thangka format.
Shakyamuni Buddha sits at center on an elaborate lotus throne with his hands in dharmachakra mudra. Directly above him is Amitabha Buddha and on either side and below him are four standing Bodhisattvas, each holding the stem of a lotus flower. Above are stylized clouds. Below are hills, rocks, and flowing water. Appears to be directly related to 21.732 (Bodhisattvas in identical outfits, similar iconography, similar rocks).
Shakyamuni Buddha sits at center on an elaborate lotus throne with his hands in dharmachakra mudra. Directly above him is Amitabha Buddha and on either side and below him are four standing Bodhisattvas, each holding the stem of a lotus flower. Above are stylized clouds. Below are hills, rocks, and flowing water. Appears to be directly related to 21.732 (Bodhisattvas in identical outfits, similar iconography, similar rocks).
InscriptionsOn reverse, in red paint, three character mantras: Om, Ah, Hum, behind each deity. Longer central inscription needs to be translated (photographed).
Provenance1921 William Sturgis Bigelow, Boston, MA; 1921, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: April 7, 1921)