Amitayus is seated cross-legged on a double lotus base with a beaded rim, with his hands folded in his lap and legs crossed in dhyanasana. He is dressed in a dhoti ornamented with incised foliate patterns, and a flowing ribbon gracefully embraces his forearms. He is lavishly adorned with necklaces and large pendant earrings that rest on his shoulders. His hair is styled in a high ushnisha. This high topknot is characteristic. Made in several parts, gilded. Height 11.5 cm.
Base missing. Dents, wear.
Property of a private Finnish collector of buddhist art.
This lot portrays Amitayus, the bliss-body of the tathagata Amitabha. In Tibet, Amitayus is worshipped in a special ceremony for obtaining long life and is traditionally depicted wearing ornaments and a crown, and holding the ambrosia vase from which spill the jewels of eternal life.