Qing Imperial Palace: Alms Bowl with the Seven Buddhas of the Past

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

This red lacquer bowl was created in the 18th century during the Qing dynasty. The Sumeru base consists of two rows of inverted and upright lotuses, with a ring of beads around the middle. The bowl curves gently upward from the base to form a wide mouth. The interior is gilded, while the deep green exterior has lacquer carvings of the Seven Buddhas of the Past, together with inscriptions. Around the edge of the bowl and the area beneath the Buddha images are cloud decorations. The seven Buddhas look alike, except for their mudras and the Dharma instruments that they are holding. They sit in full lotus position on lotus thrones, and above each is an inscription of the name; the spaces in between contain Dharma verses.