Khara Khoto: Western Pure Land

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia period

This painting from Khara Khoto depicts the majesty of the Western Pure Land. The central figure, Amitabha Buddha, sits on a lotus throne that stems from a stalk in a pond. Amitabha is dressed in a red monastic robe and sits in full lotus position with hands forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The green nimbus is outlined with flame patterns and is backed by a white aureole. Both are enveloped within a yellow mandorla illustrated with ten depictions of the Buddha welcoming beings to the Pure Land. Above Amitabha, there is a cloud-like canopy and two meandering streams of light. Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta flank the Buddha. The two Bodhisattvas have blue hair and wear crowns featuring a Buddha image and a vase. Each Bodhisattva has a blue nimbus and a transparent aureole. At the bottom of the painting, children, monks, and Bodhisattvas emerge from lotuses in a pond. Pairs of peacocks, parrots, and white cranes stand on the shore.