Amoghasiddhi Buddha, 1403-1424
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Lacquer and gold on sandalwood coreexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 99.178.4
On View in Gallery 212expand_more
Amoghasiddhi is one the Five Cosmic Buddhas of the Mahayana tradition. It is believed that after the historic Buddha attained enlightenment and ascended to the heavens, he preached to the gods, some of whom became enlightened beings, or buddhas, themselves. These five preside over the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) and also the center. A devotee’s goal is to be reborn into one of their realms.
A compartment inside this lacquer figure holds objects of ritual importance. X-rays show what appear to be a roll of paper, possibly a religious text; a small bead or pearl; and a glass vial, perhaps containing consecrated water. The distinctive patterns with infilled gold leaf indicate the sculpture was a gift to a Tibetan monastery by China’s Yongle emperor (1403–24).
Details
- Title
- Amoghasiddhi Buddha
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 99.178.4
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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