China
First half of the 15th century
China
First half of the 15th century
This painting is part of a lavish set depicting each of the Fifty-One Deities of the Mandala of the Medicine Buddha, who is the focus of practices promoting health. It may have been commissioned for a special occasion to facilitate a patron’s well-being. The corpulent orange deity Anila—Sanskrit for “Wind”—is one of the Twelve Yaksha Generals, protective guardians of the outer limits of the mandala. Decked in silks and jewelry, he holds a trident—a weapon and instrument of power—in his right hand and a mongoose spewing jewels that signify prosperity in his left. This painting reflects a distinct Tibetan style seen in China’s early Ming Dynasty court ateliers, evident in the fine gold detailing in Anila’s red throne back, the scalloped lotus-flower seat, and the vivid blues, greens, and reds. Framed by an elaborate mount, the scrolling lotus motif with flower blossoms created by polychrome silk floss on a dark blue silk ground recalls the sophisticated styles of Chinese embroidery.The embroidered textile mount is further decorated with the Eight Auspicious Symbols above (left to right, top to bottom: dharma wheel, white conch, victory banner, parasol, lotus, golden fish, treasure vase, and endless knot) and the Seven Treasures of the Universal Monarch below (minister, jewel, queen, wheel, elephant, general, and horse). These symbols of Tibetan Buddhism appropriately complement the mandala of the Medicine Buddha and are typically evoked for healing purposes and general well-being.
A meditation technique primarily used in tantric practice that involves imagining a deity in one’s mind or imagining oneself becoming a deity and carrying out various activities. Such techniques are intended to help a practitioner transform ordinary perception and achieve enlightened qualities.
A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today.
A contemplative practice in which a person uses concentration and visualization to achieve aims such as transforming the mind and generating feelings of compassion. Techniques include focusing on breathing or visualizing oneself as a deity.
Although Tibetan Buddhism was not practiced broadly in China, the imperial centers, such as Beijing and Mount Wutai, emerged as hubs of Tibetan Buddhist cultural production. The emperors of the Mongol Yuan (1271–1368), Chinese Ming (1368–1644), and Manchu Qing (1644–1911) dynasties harnessed Tibetan Buddhist ideas to consolidate their power.
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.
