Khara Khoto: Frontispiece of the Sutra on the Ascent of Maitreya

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia period

In 1190, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Renzong’s (reigned 1139–1194) ascension to the throne, a great Dharma service was held at Dadumin Temple. Under the commission of the emperor, 50,000 scrolls of the Diamond Sutra, 50,000 scrolls of the “Chapter on the Practices and Vows of Samantabhadra” of the Avatamsaka Sutra and 100,000 scrolls of the Sutra on the Ascent of Maitreya in Tangut script, including this eightfold frontispiece, were distributed.
The illustration is divided into three sections by two vertical lines decorated with vajra patterns. The right section is a Tibetan illustration of the Buddha teaching the Dharma. The Buddha is seated on a lotus throne with a detailed backrest illustrating two mythical creatures, possessing the style of the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century). The Buddha is surrounded by disciples, Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, and Heavenly Kings. In the middle and left sections, there are over 100 figures, including Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and heavenly musicians, sitting or standing within heavenly palaces. Many of the figures are accompanied by cartouches that identify them.