Amitayus, Bodhisattva of Endless Life

Currently not on view

Amitayus, Bodhisattva of Endless Life

c. 14th - 15th century

Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan

This figure's facial features, jewelry, clothing, and hairstyle clearly reflect a Malla period Newar artistic legacy although this statue was intended for Tibetan Buddhist worship. We know it was made for a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner for two reasons. First, the deity Amitayus never gained precedence in the Newar pantheon. Second, the opaque turquoise and coral stones inset into his jewelry indicate a Tibetan patron since Newars prefer transparent stones. Because of the close artistic exchanges between Nepal and Tibet, however, it remains unclear if this sculpture was made by Newar artists for a Tibetan market or by Tibetan artists in the popular "Newar style."

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Amitayus, Bodhisattva of Endless Life

Date:

c. 14th - 15th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan

Medium:

Gilded copper alloy with turquoise and coral

Dimensions:

10 1/4 × 7 × 5 1/2 inches (26 × 17.8 × 14 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Gift of Natacha Rambova, 1962

Accession Number:

1962-178-9

Geography:

Made in Tibet, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Research Underway

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Currently not on view