Vairocana Buddha

CHINA, Tibet

This pentagonal wooden panel from central Tibet was painted during the late 11th or early 12th century. It was used to cover food offerings during Dharma services or was placed on caskets with other artworks to form a mandala. Vairocana Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne in the center of the panel. The Buddha wears a magnificent headdress, large earrings, necklaces, armlets, and bracelets. The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are painted red. A small niche topped with golden peacocks surrounds the body. Lines of color decorate the border of the nimbus and the aureole. Two snow lions are painted on the pedestal that supports the lotus throne. The three jewels between the lions symbolize the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. In the upper register, a Dharma wheel on a gold platform is surrounded by green leaves and small red buds.