Pavilion with Amitayus Buddha

CHINA; Qing dynasty

Covered in red lacquer and carved with geometrical and lotus patterns, the pavilion stands on a Sumeru base carved with lotus petals and rectangular patterns. Surrounding the pavilion are balustrades with the tops of the newel posts in the shape of lotus buds. The walls consist of rectangular panels joined together, and the intricately decorated roof has two tiers culminating in a large jewel.
The pavilion houses a gilt wooden Amitayus Buddha sitting in lotus position on a lotus throne. Behind the Buddha is a round nimbus and an ovoid mandorla. The figure wears a five-leaf crown, and his blue hair is partly tied up in a topknot and partly hanging down on both shoulders. The Buddha has a round face with long earlobes, crescent eyebrows, narrow eyes, a mustache, and round chin. The upper body is adorned with a silk stole, necklace, armlets, and bracelets. The lower body is covered in a dhoti. The Buddha’s hands form the dhyana (meditation) mudra while holding the vase of longevity.