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18th Century Polychrome Tibetan Image of Amitayus browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives: Pre 1800: item # 746256 Please refer to our stock # 1054 when inquiring.
Boran Asian Art Grays, 1-7 Davies Mews, Mayfair, London, W1 0044 (0)795 422 8735 Guest Book SOLD |
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Details: A rare and very attractive 18th century wooden polychrome image of Amitayus from Tibet. Amitayus , the Buddha of infinite life, is represented here in his traditional iconography. He sits deep in contemplation, in the diamond posture, upon a lotus throne, with both hands flat in the contemplation gesture, holding a vase containing the “Elixir of Life” (water, saffron, and nectar pills) with a stylized “three of life” on top of it. Amitayus is a popular figure in the Tibetan tantric tradition. He is part of the same "family" of Buddhas as Padma Sambhava, Avalokiteshvara, and the Dalai Lamas, all of whom share Amitabha as their "father" Buddha. The exact relationship between Amitayus and Amitabha is complex and has evolved over time. According to Robert E. Fisher in Art of Tibet, "Amitayus, the Buddha of Eternal Life, is often interchangeable with Amitabha, especially in East Asia but also in Tibet. Amitayus gradually acquired a separate identity in Tibetan worship as the Buddha for the attainment of long life." (Fisher, p. 37). Many Buddhists commission images of Amitayus in order to assure a long life for themselves or someone else. On a personal level, for those Tibetans for whom Amitayus is a yidam or personal guiding deity, visualization aids such as the image above serve as a central focus for their meditation practices. Age: 18th Century. Height: 28.5 cm Remarks: As can be seen from the photos the piece still has all its consecrated relics and there is some minor damage.
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