Temple hanging of yellow satin with applique design of gold thread fabric. In the center is the wheel of the law flanked by the sun and moon, and large leaf scrolls. Inner border of Greek key meander in couched blue thread on gold ground; outer border of thunder-bolts in gold applique on the satin gound. Wide binding of black satin. Lining of yellow raw silk.

Lamaist chair back cushion cover, mid 19th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Textiles played a fundamental role in most Buddhist monasteries. Woven thankas and banners were suspended from pillars and beams, wool rugs covered floors and benches, silk frontals decorated most altars, and seat cushions, like this one, were placed on the chairs of senior priests. The prominent gold appliqu‚ and imperial yellow silk here suggest that this cushion belonged to a Lamaist temple under Chinese court patronage. The center displays the cakra, or wheel of the law, a common symbol for the Buddha's teaching. The border features another conventional emblem, the vajra, or thunderbolt, which symbolizes both the emptiness and illusion of the world as well as the power of enlightenment.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back home
Details
Title
Lamaist chair back cushion cover
Role
Artist
Dimension
L.47-1/4 x W.25 in.
Accession Number
42.8.263
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.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

Temple hanging of yellow satin with applique design of gold thread fabric. In the center is the wheel of the law flanked by the sun and moon, and large leaf scrolls. Inner border of Greek key meander in couched blue thread on gold ground; outer border of thunder-bolts in gold applique on the satin gound. Wide binding of black satin. Lining of yellow raw silk.