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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