Buddha Shakyamuni with episodes of his life
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Wall object 8

ABP 003

 Code: ABP 003

  Country: Tibet

  Style:

  Date: 1300 - 1400

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 53 x 63

  Materials: Glue distemper on cotton

Buddha Shakyamuni with episodes of his life 

This refined painting with a strong geometric organisation, represents the historical Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by disciples and events from his life. In the centre, Shakyamuni sits on a lotus and a throne surrounded by two attendants. Gathered in two columns are the sixteen sthavira or Elders, his first disciples, along with their lay assistant Dharmatala carrying texts and accompanied by a tiger.

The remaining outer registers along with the central figure consists of the episodes illustrating the life of the historical Buddha. The reading of the events begins at the top right and proceeds clockwise around the painting, from before his birth to his final extinction. The central representation corresponds to the episode of the Buddha’s victory over Mara, lord of the realm of desire and demon of death. The assault of his demonic armies are visible above the Buddha’s head.