
Ink and color on silk
This painting of Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara dates from the 16th century. Amoghapasa sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne atop a multi-layered circular platform. The Bodhisattva wears a large crown and has a unique mandorla made up of linked pentagons decorated with floral patterns. The Four Heavenly Kings are positioned in the four corners of the painting, standing on top of subdued demons. The figures are painted on rough-textured silk colored with a dark blue background. The use of vibrant colors and gold leaf is characteristic of the paintings of late Muromachi period.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting A-H, page 44.