Historical Buddha Shakyamuni with two disciples – by Karmapa 10 Chöying Dorje
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Chapel
Orientation 4
Wall object 18
ABP 006
Code: ABP 006
Country: Tibet (east)
Style:
Date: 1600 - 1700
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 44 x 68
Materials: Glue distemper on silk
Historical Buddha Shakyamuni with two disciples – by Karmapa 10 Chöying Dorje (1604-1674)
This silk painting shows quite a peculiar treatment of a classic topic and structure—the historical Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by two close disciples and devout figures. Dressed in a delicately pleated red robe with Kashmiri overtones, the Buddha makes the supreme giving gesture. He sits on a huge throne seemingly carved from jade. The cameo reliefs reveal a wealth of incredibly fine details. Supported by lions and a telamon, the throne backrest is filled with fantastic creatures. Small celestial beings playing music and presenting offerings are also depicted. The two disciples surrounding the Buddha wear the characteristic robes of Chinese arhat paintings. In the foreground, two groups of devotees kneel in a fantastic cluster of colorful jewels. In the upper register, floating above the Buddha in luminous orbs, sit a Karmapa and a red-hat master (Shamarpa?) with Avalokiteshvara in the center. Could they be Chöying Dorje and his master Sharma 06 Chökyi Wangchuk? The original composition, the unusual iconography and technique associated to the round elongated face and features of the Buddha and other figures perfectly match Chöying Dorje’s style, which is not unlike some Tang funeral ceramics.
This silk painting shows quite a peculiar treatment of a classic topic and structure—the historical Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by two close disciples and devout figures. Dressed in a delicately pleated red robe with Kashmiri overtones, the Buddha makes the supreme giving gesture. He sits on a huge throne seemingly carved from jade. The cameo reliefs reveal a wealth of incredibly fine details. Supported by lions and a telamon, the throne backrest is filled with fantastic creatures. Small celestial beings playing music and presenting offerings are also depicted. The two disciples surrounding the Buddha wear the characteristic robes of Chinese arhat paintings. In the foreground, two groups of devotees kneel in a fantastic cluster of colorful jewels. In the upper register, floating above the Buddha in luminous orbs, sit a Karmapa and a red-hat master (Shamarpa?) with Avalokiteshvara in the center. Could they be Chöying Dorje and his master Sharma 06 Chökyi Wangchuk? The original composition, the unusual iconography and technique associated to the round elongated face and features of the Buddha and other figures perfectly match Chöying Dorje’s style, which is not unlike some Tang funeral ceramics.