In this inscribed painting, the Svayambhu Stupa of Nepal floats on a pink lotus in the middle of a lake, a scene that reflects the legendary history of the stupa. According to the story, a Buddha named Vipashvin long ago planted a lotus seed in the lake. The seed then grew into a thousand-petalled lotus with a five-colored beam of light emanating from it. Each color corresponds to one of the five directional Buddhas, who appear in the upper register of the painting. These Buddhas also preside over the five directions that correspond to the center and perimeter of the stupa.
Within the dome of the monument sits Ushnisha-vijaya, the Victorious Skull Bump, eight-armed goddess of long life who personifies the spiritual force enshrined within the stupa.
The painting’s lower section depicts consecration ceremonies that took place during the renovation of the stupa. A procession moves towards the far left, where a priest, in front of a fire, presides over the ritual.
Details
- Title : Svayambhu Stupa
- Year : dated 1862
- Classification : Painting
- Medium : Colors on cotton
- Dimension : H. 23 1/8 in x W. 16 5/8 in, H. 58.7 cm x W. 42.2 cm; H. 54 1/4 x W. 30 7/8 in, H. 137.8 cm x W. 78.42 cm (overall)
- Accession No : B60D40
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Collection : Asian Art Museum
- Credit Line : The Avery Brundage Collection
- Status : Not on display
- Department : Himalayan Art
- Exhibition History : "Stupa," Rotation, 7/21/2014