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

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

This ornate alms bowl was used as a Dharma instrument in the imperial court during the Qing dynasty.
The round bowl is 13 cm high with a diameter of 14 cm. The images and patterns were created with inlays of mother–of–pearl, amber, coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and white jade. Around the rim, there is a white jade plantain leaf pattern, below which is the Eradicating Offenses Dharani of the Seven Buddhas. The images on the bowl are those of the Seven Buddhas of the Past, each of whom is depicted sitting on a lotus throne, wearing a red robe, and performing a mudra. In between the Buddhas are clouds. The bowl rests on a double lotus and is supported by a structure consisting of clouds and waves. Seven white lotuses blossom from the water, and there are eight lotus pods, each featuring one of the eight auspicious symbols.