A THANGKA OF AMITHABA IN SUKHAVATI HEAVEN, TIBET, LATE 18TH - 19TH CENTURYGold and distemper on canvas. Buddha at the center, seated in dhyanasana on a lotus base in front of a grand palace, holding an alms bowl in his hands, dressed in red, orange, and white robes with fine floral and geometric decorations, backed by a green mandorla and surrounded by eight Bodhisattvas, Dakinis and other meritorious souls, the background with mountains protruding from the sea, and floating clouds in the blue sky.Inscriptions: To reverse, several verses of ‘Om ma hum’Provenance: British trade.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear to the pigments, little creasing and flaking. The silk brocade mount with few tears, and loose threads.Dimensions: Size incl. mounting 125 x 77 cm, image size 61.1 x 43 cmThe silk brocade mounting is of Chinese origin, 19th century, and depicts an Imperial confronting dragon with five claws, amid flames and scrolling clouds, chasing the flaming pearl. Brass handles.Sukhavati (pure land) is described as the Western Paradise of Buddha Amitabha in the Pure Land schools of Mahayana Buddhism. According to followers of the Pure Land schools, which are widespread throughout East Asia, rebirth in Sukhavati is ensured by invoking the name of Amitabha, particularly at the moment of death. Sukhavati is expressively described in the Pure Land sutras as being a joyous world, soft and glowing, filled with the music of birds and the tinkling of trees adorned with precious jewels and garlands of golden bells.Literatureparison:Compare a related thangka of Amithaba in Skuhavati, 125.1 x 92.4 cm, 19th century, in the Rubin Museum of Art, object number F1997.6.3.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Paris, 1 June 2021, lot 53Price: EUR 21,562 or approx.EUR 23,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A thangka of Amitabha in Sukhavati paradise, Tibet, late 19th/early 20th centuryExpert remark:pare the related motif, colors, and size (127 x 74 cm, the mount).Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s New York, 17 October 2001, lot 78Price: USD 7,050 or approx.EUR 11,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: An Avadana Thangka of Buddha Amitabha, Tibet, circa 1800Expert remark:pare the related motif and color. Note the size (87.6 x 57.8 cm).Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s Paris, 22 June 2016, lot 80Price: EUR 6,250 or approx.EUR 7,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: Thangka representing Buddha Amitabha, Tibet, late 18th centuryExpert remark:pare the related motif, colors, and size (62 x 42.5 cm, the image).十八世紀末至十九世紀西藏極樂世界唐卡布面膠彩描金。阿彌陀佛紅色身，雙手托缽，現禪定相，坐於蓮花座上，身著天衣，飾瓔珞，綠色光背，周圍環繞 八位菩薩、空行母和其他神祇，藍天浮雲，下方遍地珍寶、八功德池中蓮花化生。內容繁複，情節生動