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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 and 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.On view
ca. second quarter of 15th century
Late 17th-18th century
19th century
Dated by inscription 1775
late 18th-19th century
19th century
late 19th or 20th century
late 18th - early 19th century