THANGKA OF THE WESTERN PARADISE OF AMITHABA - SUKHAVATI Tibet, ca. 1800 61,5 x 42 (100 x 57) cm In this votive thangka', the Tathagata Amitabha is depicted in his paradise, which is surrounded by a wide-stretched rainbow circle. It is the goal of the devotees to be reborn in this "Pure Land". The Tathagata Amitabha, whose red body colour symbolises the element of fire, but also the energy of compassion, is enthroned in the centre of the picture on a lotus, surrounded by the light radiation of his wisdom and knowledge. He is referred to as the "Buddha of eternal light radiance". A multi-storey temple with golden roofs rises in the background. The Buddha is accompanied on the left and right by the eight Mahabodhisattvas. At the top of the painting at the apex is the "Buddha of Long Life" - Amitayus - an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha. Many other small palaces surround the temple palace of Amitabha. These are further Buddhafields in which Buddhas reside. Scattered throughout the landscape are sacrificers and musicians, beings who have attained a higher degree of realisation, and adorants. Below the palace of Amitabha is a small lake where the redeemed beings are reborn on lotus flowers. Tempera and gold on cotton fabric, silk satin border. From an old private collection Rhineland, assembled between the 1960s and 2007 Water damage, part. rest., picture surface lacquered