TIBET, 15TH CENTURY

Seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base with beaded rims, holding an amrita-filled vase in both hands, wearing a dhoti and adorned with the ornaments of a bodhisattva, this small gilt-bronze figure of Amitayus is an example of the Newar influence on China and on the autonomously-ruled Southeastern regions of Tibet under the Yuan dynasty. The floral earrings and crown point to this influence, while the wide features of the face point to the place of production being Eastern Tibet or China. This combination of elements can also be seen on an unidentified Tibetan Buddhist deity in the Nyingjei Lam Collection (Fig. 1).