Avalokiteshvara surrounded by the life story of Buddha
See it in the Museum
Reception desk
Orientation 4
Wall object 13
ABP 035
Code: ABP 035
Country: Nepal
Style: Early Malla Period
Date: 1442
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 64 x 86
Materials: Gouache on cotton
Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, surrounded by the life story of the Buddha
This Newar painting is executed in a very individualistic style.
In the centre stands the white Avalokiteshvara. He is set off against his own red “circle of light” (prabha-mandala). Avalokiteshvara is flanked by a green bodhisattva on the left, and a rose-coloured bodhisattva on the right-hand side. Together they are surrounded by a second prabha-mandala. The gateway (torana) above is closed by two celestial lovers (kinnara). The group of three bodhisattvas is standing on an elaborately ornamented throne, that is again surmounted by a gateway formed of mythological creatures (makara-torana), topped by a Garuda bird.
The composition with the group of three bodhisattvas is reminiscent of the entrance to a Buddhist shrine in the Kathmandu Valley. It is surrounded on four sides with rectangular panels commemorating important events in the life of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni.
The lower register shows the donor, probably a Newari king with his entourage, celebrating a religious festival. In fact, it is in memory of this celebration that the painting has been commissioned. The painting bears a Newari inscription in Devanagari script at the bottom, dated Nepala Samvat 563 / 1442 AD.
This Newar painting is executed in a very individualistic style.
In the centre stands the white Avalokiteshvara. He is set off against his own red “circle of light” (prabha-mandala). Avalokiteshvara is flanked by a green bodhisattva on the left, and a rose-coloured bodhisattva on the right-hand side. Together they are surrounded by a second prabha-mandala. The gateway (torana) above is closed by two celestial lovers (kinnara). The group of three bodhisattvas is standing on an elaborately ornamented throne, that is again surmounted by a gateway formed of mythological creatures (makara-torana), topped by a Garuda bird.
The composition with the group of three bodhisattvas is reminiscent of the entrance to a Buddhist shrine in the Kathmandu Valley. It is surrounded on four sides with rectangular panels commemorating important events in the life of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni.
The lower register shows the donor, probably a Newari king with his entourage, celebrating a religious festival. In fact, it is in memory of this celebration that the painting has been commissioned. The painting bears a Newari inscription in Devanagari script at the bottom, dated Nepala Samvat 563 / 1442 AD.