Medicine Buddha and Eighteen Arhats

CHINA, Tibet, Tsang

This 19th century Tibetan thangka features the Medicine Buddha sitting in full lotus position on a lotus throne within an ornate decorative niche. The Buddha has a usnisa topped with a jewel and wears a red and yellow monastic robe. A medicine bowl held in front of the abdomen contains the medicinal fruit and leaves of the arura tree. The right hand reaches down, forming the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra.
The magnificent niche is decorated with gold scrolling flame patterns, coiled dragons, and large flowers. The lotus throne is supported by two snow lions. A Dharma wheel rests on an altar below the throne. Beside the throne, Sariputra stands on the left and Maudgalyayana is on the right. Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, sits above the Buddha. The Four Heavenly Kings occupy the lower left corner of the thangka. Among the sea in the bottom register, a naga deity makes an offering of a precious gem. The Eighteen Arhats are interspersed throughout the rest of the painting, standing on lotus leaves, riding dragons, sitting on clouds, or crossing the sea in a boat.