Qing Imperial Palace: Tapestry of Maitreya Buddha in the Ketumati Pure Land

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

Maitreya Buddha is depicted in the upper register of this tapestry, flanked by two monks. The Buddha has a high usnisa partially covered by a five-leaf crown, and sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne. A green stole is draped around his shoulders and arms, and he wears a heavy necklace together with a beaded necklace that hangs down to his abdomen. He also wears a dhoti, which is divided into patches by red lines. The Buddha’s left hand holds a vase and his right hand, with the image of a Dharma wheel on the palm, forms the vitarka (teaching) mudra. There is a green nimbus and a deep blue mandorla with rays of golden light behind. Above and to the side of the Buddha, there are two golden dragons, which protect the Dharma. Where their tails overlap immediately above Maitreya, there is a garuda. Various pavilions and other palatial buildings can be seen on either side of the dragons. In the lower register there are Bodhisattvas, heavenly beings, and human figures listening to the Buddha teaching the Dharma.