A Votive plaque depicting the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (Ch. Dizang), in Amitabha’s Western Paradise
Chinese
Description
The bodhisattava Ksitigarbha, the protector of the earth, was considered to have the power to save souls that had fallen into hell after death. Prayers to Ksitigarbha could positively affect the fate of one’s ancestors, so his cult flourished in China. He is recognizable by his monk’s garment and six-ringed staff.
Maribeth Graybill, Senior Curator of Asian Art
Exhibited in "Flora and Fauna in Chinese Art," April 6, 2002 - December 1, 2002.
Subject Matter:
The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (Chinese, Dizang), recognizable by his monk's garb and staff, standing on a lotus and surrounded by floating tendrils of lotus flowers. The scenery places him in the Western Paradise of the Buddha Amitâbha (Chinese, Amitofou). This miniature clay plaque was originally one of a large number of plaques depicting various details from a scene of Amitâbha presiding over his Western Paradise, while various bodhisattvas are in attendance.
Physical Description:
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Usage Rights:
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