#queen syamavati

[molkolsdal]

The Paradise of Maitreya

Painted by Zhu Haogu and Zhang Boyuan

Ink and colour on clay

Xinghua Monastery, Shanxi Province

1298, Yuan dynasty

Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, symbolizes the hope for spiritual redemption. Here he is depicted delivering a sermon in the company of bodhisattvas and disciples. King Sankha and Queen Syamavati of the Kingdom of Ketumati, where Maitreya will be reborn, heed his call and set an example for others to follow. They are seen sitting to the right and left, and are having their heads shaved to signify their conversion to Buddhism as well as their willingness to renounce their worldly status and riches.

#maitreya #zhu haogu #zhang boyuan #ink #clay #xinghua Monastery #shanxi #China #13th century #mine #yuan dynasty #art #history #buddhism #king sankha #queen syamavati #ketumati