Khara Khoto: Amitabha Buddha Triad Welcoming the Deceased

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia period

Amitabha Buddha, accompanied by Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, stands upon floating white clouds, welcoming a deceased being to the Pure Land. Amitabha has a low usnisa, and wears a thin red monastic robe that leaves the right arm partially uncovered. The Buddha stands with a blue lotus underneath each foot. A faint swastika can be seen on the Buddha’s chest, and there is a Dharma wheel on each palm. The left thumb and ring finger are gently held together, and the right hand forms the welcoming mudra. Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta stand on the left, holding a golden lotus. Avalokitesvara, standing in profile, has a uniquely painted partially transparent nimbus. Mahasthamaprapta wears a red robe and a headdress topped with a vase.
A small monk is shown sitting under a tree with his palms joined in the bottom left corner of the painting. A stream of light flows from the head of the monk, and forms the shape of a lotus, upon which stands a youth with joined palms. White light flows from behind the youth up to Amitabha’s urna. The golden lotus held out by the Bodhisattvas and the trail of light emitted by the Buddha signify rebirth in the Pure Land.