Manjusri and Maitreya Bodhisattvas

CHINA, Tibet

This red thangka from central Tibet was painted during the 16th century. The two Bodhisattvas are turned slightly towards each other and have very similar appearances. Both are adorned with jewelry, wear tall golden headdresses, and form the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra.
Manjusri Bodhisattva is on the right, sitting on a Ming style chair and looking downwards with a faint smile. The crossed right leg rests on the left knee, and the left foot is placed on a lotus pedestal. On the left beside the Bodhisattva, there is a lotus topped with a sword. On the right, another lotus, likely topped with a sutra, is partially obscured by wear to the painting. Maitreya is on the left, sitting with the left leg placed atop the right knee. Maitreya is also flanked by two stemmed lotuses, one of which supports a vase.
Between the two Bodhisattvas, the white Padmapani Avalokitesvara sits on a lotus throne. Sakyamuni Buddha is in the middle of the upper register. The figures beside the Buddha include Nagarjuna and Asanga. Below the Buddha, offerings are placed beside a monk. To his right are images of Green Tara, Vaisramana, Jambhala, and Mahakala.