Vessel of Longevity

CHINA; Qing dynasty

The vessel of longevity is held by Amitayus Buddha and is one of the essential offering instruments in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies. It is filled with pure stream water colored with saffron and manna made from a mixture of spice, medicine, and grain, symbolizing blessings and longevity. Sometimes it is filled with Tibetan barley wine.
Standing on a round golden tray supported by an inverted lotus with small turquoise plaques at the bottom, the vessel and its platform are all made of coral. The platform consists of half cylinders surmounted by balls, and the vessel itself has a trapezoidal base and an oblate spheroid central section surmounted by a canopy. Inserted into the mouth of the vessel, there is a wish-fulfilling tree, also symbolizing longevity. In the center of the tree, there is an image of Amitayus Buddha. The Buddha has a red body and sits on a white inverted lotus throne, with a golden nimbus and a mandorla. Around the image, there is a dark blue floral pattern with a golden openwork border consisting of a scroll leaf pattern, which is decorated with various auspicious symbols and jewels. At the top, there is an image of the sun and moon and four pendants decorated with turquoises hang down from the mouth of the vessel, representing four of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. On each side of the vessel, two decorations are attached to the rim of the tray and curve up toward the wish-fulfilling tree. This vessel is exquisitely made and is considered to be a fine example of an offering vessel.