Vairocana Buddha

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

In this exquisite Yuan dynasty painting, the serene Vairocana Buddha sits in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne. The Buddha wears an ornate monastic robe and a five-leaf crown. Intricate patterns, images of Buddhas, garudas, makaras, lions, and sheep cover the blue, petal-shaped mandorla. More magnificent patterns decorate the Sumeru throne. In the upper register, a canopy is flanked by two Bodhisattvas riding on auspicious creatures that appear to descend from the heavens, surrounded by flame-like clouds. A palace is painted within a circle in the middle of the lower register. The painting is colored almost entirely in vivid shades of blue. The high level of detail and elaborate ornamentation suggest that it may have been painted by an artist associated with the imperial court.