Qing Imperial Palace: Tapestry of Western Pure Land

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

This tapestry depicts Amitabha Buddha and heavenly beings gathering in the Western Pure Land. The Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne with two large lotuses extending upwards from both sides. He has blue hair with a jewel placed on the high usnisa, and a high forehead, pointed chin, and long earlobes. A robe with long loose sleeves covers both shoulders. Six golden rays shine outward from his chest as he holds an alms bowl with a lotus inside. Around the Buddha’s head, there is a multi-color nimbus, and around his body is a dark blue mandorla with a white edge.
On either side of Amitabha are Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas, who hold lotuses and are wrapped in stoles. Above Amitabha, there are various beings enclosed in circles, including Amitabha himself, various women, Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, and a dakini. Flying above are Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings. Below, there is a lotus pond with a lotus-born child, and a peacock walks up the steps at the center. At the bottom, there are four blue Dharma protectors with flaming mandorlas performing a ritual dance, on either side of whom, there are highly decorated pavilions. Various figures are distributed throughout the lower half of the tapestry.