Description
About this work.
Mahasthamaprapta, whose name means “one who has attained great power,” is a principal bodhisattva in Amitabha's Pure Land. He represents the power of wisdom and, together with Amitabha and Avalokiteshvara, forms the Western Pure Land Triad familiar in Chinese Buddhist art.
Traditional context and devotional practice
The subject carries aspirations for concentration, wisdom and perseverance, as well as the Pure Land devotee's wish to be born in Sukhavati.
This painting
This polychrome Mahasthamaprapta presents a pale, peaceful figure framed by a floral stem, lotus seat and flowing drapery. Greens, reds and bright ornament build distinct layers around the bodhisattva's composed expression.
