Gilgit: Illustrated Manuscript Covers - Buddha and Bodhisattva

PAKISTAN, Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit

This pair of painted covers for a palm leaf sutra manuscript was discovered with several other manuscripts in Gilgit. The outer surfaces of the two sutra covers are decorated with curled lotus patterns, while Buddha and Bodhisattva images are drawn on the inner surfaces. Both covers are similar: there is a canopy in the upper register, a large seated figure in the center, and two figures making offerings in the lower register. The central figure on the right cover is the Buddha, with a nimbus, a high usnisa, and a dark red monastic robe. The Buddha forms the vitarka (teaching) mudra with both hands, and sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne with overlapping petals. The main figure on the left is a Bodhisattva, seated cross-legged on a lotus throne, with a nimbus, long hair, and a high topknot. The Bodhisattva, thought to be Avalokitesvara, wears a headdress, a necklace, bracelets, a stole, and a waist cloth. The left hand rests on the knee and holds a long-stemmed lotus, and the right hand forms the vitarka (teaching) mudra. The figures at the bottom of the sutra covers have a similar appearance. They wear Central Asian clothing, including headscarves and long robes with tall collars.