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Seated Amitābha — Chinese, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)

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Written by: Arda AksoyResearcher · Asian Art
Asian Art · Catalogue no. 17030
Chinese, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)

Seated Amitābha

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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This magnificent Buddha, called Amitābha (literally, “infinite light”) is seated on a lotus pedestal with both palms facing up over crossed legs, suggesting that it is in deep meditation. In contrast to the richly ornamented throne on which the Buddha is seated, the figure itself is devoid of any jewelry or decorative attributes, emphasizing its enlightened status and detachment from worldly affairs. The lion head in the center of the pedestal is a motif from Central Asia, which can also be seen in the halo or nimbus of Chinese Buddhist stone steles.

Artist / MakerChinese, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Datelate 1500s–early 1600s
Culture / OriginChinese, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Mediumhanging scroll; ink and color on silk
DimensionsOverall with knobs: 236.9 x 105.7 cm (93 1/4 x 41 5/8 in.); Painting only: 130.8 x 75 cm (51 1/2 x 29 1/2 in.)
DepartmentChinese Art
TypePainting
About the Artist

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Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

Condition

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