A MIDNIGHT-BLUE SILK BROCADE 'AMITAYUS' MANDALA

18th century

18th century
Finely embroidered in multi-coloured threads with an eight-petalled lotus medallion centred with Buddha Amitayus, surrounded by eight further Buddhist manifestations, each within a separate petal, all surrounded by scrollwork and colourful flames within the Wheel of Time set on a deep-midnight-blue ground flanked by four clusters of ruyi clouds. 100cm (39 3/8in) x 89cm (35in).

十八世紀 藍地織無量寿佛曼荼羅

The present configuration originated according to Vajrayana Buddhism from the Tantra literature and the Sanskrit text called the Arya-aparimitayurjnana-nama-mahayana-sutra. The primary goal of this mandala and associated practice is the accomplishment of complete enlightenment. Long-life, life extension and deathlessness are the metaphors used in the meditation practice focusing on the visualised form of Amitayus. Deathlessness equals enlightenment. The principal Indian Buddhist scholar associated with the popularisation of this tradition of the Amitayus Nine Deity mandala is Mahasiddha Jetari who lived between the 9th and 10th centuries.

Compare with a related embroidered silk Buddhist mandala of Amitayus, 18th century, which was sold at Sotheby's New York, 30 March 2006, lot 199.