Title: A Gathering of 12 Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, including Avalokiteśvara, Circa 1600-1700. An Exceptional Buddhist Silk Painting, with Brilliant, Vibrant Colors and Detailing
Condition: Very Good
A Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasty, 17th century silk painting, depicting a gathering of 12 Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
At the center is the main figure of Avalokiteśvara, or Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of compassion, with a beautiful halo, wearing a 'Five Dhyani Buddha' crown, and holding a lotus flower, whilst sitting atop a throne. Surrounding the Buddha are 11 other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, also with ornate halos, and each one making different mudra hand gestures. Two of them appear to be possible representations of Manjushri Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva who represents Transcendent Wisdom, as they are also holding lotus flowers, and are wearing crowns, albeit less ornate ones.
Three of the Buddhas/Bodhisattvas are sitting atop lotus flowers, and the others appear to be treading atop smaller lotus flowers as well. There are also two attendants as well, in flowing robes.
The detail and work to this composition is stunning, with significant attention to detail, from the robes to the facial features of each figure, and despite the age to the composition, the colors are still bright and vivid.
Provenance: A Private Japanese Collection
The painting has been neatly re-mounted onto a decorated kakejiku (hanging scroll), with jikusaki (knobs) made of lacquered wood.
One silk painting mounted on a kakejiku (hanging scroll), 262 x 87 cm full size, 167 x 72 cm main painting. The knobs are not included as part of the measurement
This painting is in very good shape, with minimal rubbing or wear to the scroll covers. There are a few tiny splits noted, and a few old stains.