1919,0101,0.11

Description

Scope and content : Ch. lviii. 001. Large silk painting with Chin. inscr., representing Paradise of Maitreya; complete (except for side-scenes, if any) and in excellent condition. In composition follows general lines of *Ch. 0051, etc., but has series of legendary scenes from the Maitreyavyākaraṇa-sūtra along top. At bottom there is shown the construction of a Stūpa, with three-tiered umbrella above and long altar laden with flasks, begging-bowls, jewels, and bundles of manuscript rolls on either side. Two important groups in bottom corners represent conversions to the Law. These subsidiary scenes and groups are not formally separated from Paradise proper, but merge into it at bottom and are above only divided from it by range of pine-clad mountains.