Page 76 - Bonhams FINE CHINESE ART London November 2 2021

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A MIDNIGHT-BLUE SILK BROCADE ‘AMITAYUS’ MANDALA The present configuration originated according to Vajrayana Buddhism
18th century from the Tantra literature and the Sanskrit text called the Arya-
Finely embroidered in multi-coloured threads with an eight-petalled aparimitayurjnana-nama-mahayana-sutra. The primary goal of this
lotus medallion centred with Buddha Amitayus, surrounded by eight mandala and associated practice is the accomplishment of complete
further Buddhist manifestations, each within a separate petal, all enlightenment. Long-life, life extension and deathlessness are the
surrounded by scrollwork and colourful flames within the Wheel of metaphors used in the meditation practice focusing on the visualised
Time set on a deep-midnight-blue ground flanked by four clusters of form of Amitayus. Deathlessness equals enlightenment. The principal
ruyi clouds. Indian Buddhist scholar associated with the popularisation of this
100cm (39 3/8in) x 89cm (35in). tradition of the Amitayus Nine Deity mandala is Mahasiddha Jetari who
lived between the 9th and 10th centuries.
£8,000 - 12,000
CNY71,000 - 110,000 Compare with a related embroidered silk Buddhist mandala of
Amitayus, 18th century, which was sold at Sotheby’s New York,
十八世紀 藍地織無量寿佛曼荼羅 30 March 2006, lot 199.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
74 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.