002
The Descent of the Buddha Shakyamuni from Trayastrimsha Heaven
Xylograph on paper
Paper and printing ink
21.0 x 29.5 inches
Original design from Tibet. This print is from Kathmandu, Nepal
Mid 20th century
Indeterminate style
The descent from Trayastrimsha is one of the eight great events of the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni is shown on the triple staircase descending from Trayastrimsha paradise, located at the summit of Mount Meru. He is attended by the dual Brahmanical deities, Indra and Brahma. An important aspect of this story is the Buddha's prediction of future enlightenment to the nun, Utpali, who greets him at the bottom of the stairs.
Wei Lin
Descent from the Trayastrimsha Heaven Essay
Musuem #: 91.001.017
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1009