Amitayus, or the Buddha of Infinite Life, is
especially venerated in Tibetan Buddhism.
Seated
in the dhyanasana position on a lotus
pedestal,
the hands are arranged in dhyana mudra.
They
support a bejewelled flask which was meant
to
contain the nectar of immortality. The large
leaf
which rises from the flask is an ashok, or
anti-
suffering tree. Amitayus is invoked by those
seeking long life. As was customary in
Tibetan
depictions of this buddha, the figure wears
elaborate clothes and jewellery in the manner
of
a
bodhisattva. The diadem is inlaid with
turquoise
stones and behind this the hair is arranged in
a
high chignon, mounted with a gold finial.
Traces of blue pigment are visible
in hair on the reverse. The large earrings are
diamond shaped and the tiered pendant
worn
around the neck is particularly splendid. The
celestial scarf runs across the back of the
shoulders and around the arms, terminating
in
elegant leaf-shaped curls. The expression of
the
buddha is one of meditation with downcast
eyes
and a small mouth fixed in a permanent
smile.
- (AM.0175)
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