023
The Bodhisattva, Ekadashamukha ("Eleven-Headed") Avalokiteshvara
in Potolaka Paradise
Thangka, painting
Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased (collagen) binder
26.0 x 39.5 inches
Painted area only Central Tibet
Ca. 18th or 19th century
Indeterminate style
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of absolute compassion, is seen here in
the center of his perfected world, Potalaka. The figures along the vertical
axis of the painting illustrate various states of Buddhist existence. At
the bottom, Hayagriva, Avalokiteshvara's angry aspect, attends to the mundane
needs of devotees. The central eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara offers salvation.
Above him, the Buddha Amitabha represents the blissful state of enlightenment.
The Buddha Sarvavid ("Universal Knowledge") Vairochana, at the
top center, represents the ultimate attainment.
Chaya Chandrasekhar
Ekadashamukha Avalokiteshvara
Essay
Museum#: 93.015
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1025