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Photograph by David De Armas, Rubin Museum of Art, 2013
Dipamkara Buddha
Photograph by David De Armas, Rubin Museum of Art, 2013
Photograph by David De Armas, Rubin Museum of Art, 2013

Dipamkara Buddha

OriginNepal
DateDated by inscription 1853
Dimensions44 1/2 x 34 5/8 x 2 1/4 in. (113 x 87.9 x 5.7 cm)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of the Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation
Object numberF1997.17.23
Himalayan Art Resources Number100023
DescriptionDipamkara is known as the Buddha of the Previous Age, or the age prior to the time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, who lived during the sixth century BCE. Dipamkara is often remembered as the buddha who predicted Shakyamuni’s future enlightenment. Around the seventeenth century Dipamkara’s rituals were popularized by Nepalese Buddhists, who considered him the patron deity of merchants and alms giving. Dipamkara is widely worshiped in Nepal but is rarely found in other regions of the Himalayas. The inscription on this painting tells us it was commissioned in 1853 by Tuladhar Bhajuvantasingha, most likely to be displayed in honor of a special alms-giving festival. The celebration illustrated in the painting is taking place at the Swayambhunath Stupa of Kathmandu, which is depicted above the central figure.