Skip to main content
This painting reflects a distinct Tibetan style seen in China’s early Ming Dynasty court ateliers, evident in the fine gold detailing in Anila’s red throne back, the scalloped lotus-flower seat, and the vivid blues, greens, and reds. Framed by an elaborate mount, the scrolling lotus motif with flower blossoms created by polychrome silk floss on a dark blue silk ground recalls the sophisticated styles of Chinese embroidery.
The embroidered textile mount is further decorated with the Eight Auspicious Symbols above (left to right, top to bottom: dharma wheel, white conch, victory banner, parasol, lotus, golden fish, treasure vase, and endless knot) and the Seven Treasures of the Universal Monarch below (minister, jewel, queen, wheel, elephant, general, and horse). These symbols of Tibetan Buddhism appropriately complement the mandala of the Medicine Buddha and are typically evoked for healing purposes and general well-being.
Yaksha General Anila
OriginChina
DateFirst half of the 15th century
Dimensions18 3/8 × 6 3/8 × 3/8 in.
MediumPigments on cloth; embroidered textile mount
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2004.4.2
Himalayan Art Resources Number65272
DescriptionThis painting is part of a lavish set depicting each of the Fifty-One Deities of the Mandala of the Medicine Buddha, who is the focus of practices promoting health. It may have been commissioned for a special occasion to facilitate a patron’s well-being. The corpulent orange deity Anila—Sanskrit for “Wind”—is one of the Twelve Yaksha Generals, protective guardians of the outer limits of the mandala. Decked in silks and jewelry, he holds a trident—a weapon and instrument of power—in his right hand and a mongoose spewing jewels that signify prosperity in his left. This painting reflects a distinct Tibetan style seen in China’s early Ming Dynasty court ateliers, evident in the fine gold detailing in Anila’s red throne back, the scalloped lotus-flower seat, and the vivid blues, greens, and reds. Framed by an elaborate mount, the scrolling lotus motif with flower blossoms created by polychrome silk floss on a dark blue silk ground recalls the sophisticated styles of Chinese embroidery.
The embroidered textile mount is further decorated with the Eight Auspicious Symbols above (left to right, top to bottom: dharma wheel, white conch, victory banner, parasol, lotus, golden fish, treasure vase, and endless knot) and the Seven Treasures of the Universal Monarch below (minister, jewel, queen, wheel, elephant, general, and horse). These symbols of Tibetan Buddhism appropriately complement the mandala of the Medicine Buddha and are typically evoked for healing purposes and general well-being.
Not on view
first half of the 15th century
18th century
late 18th - early 19th century
2012-2013
12th century
18th century
14th century
18th century
Related Object/Related Object