Amitayus, Bodhisattva of Endless Life
Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan
Geography:
Made in Tibet, Asia
Period:
Medieval PeriodDate:
c. 14th - 15th centuryMedium:
Gilded copper alloy with turquoise and coralDimensions:
10 1/4 × 7 × 5 1/2 inches (26 × 17.8 × 14 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
1962-178-9Credit Line:
Gift of Natacha Rambova, 1962
Made in Tibet, Asia
Period:
Medieval PeriodDate:
c. 14th - 15th centuryMedium:
Gilded copper alloy with turquoise and coralDimensions:
10 1/4 × 7 × 5 1/2 inches (26 × 17.8 × 14 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1962-178-9Credit Line:
Gift of Natacha Rambova, 1962
Label:
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."
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."
