The Buddha Shakyamuni flanked by five past Buddhas and Maitreya
ca. 15th century
Tibet
Distemper on wood

This painting shows the Historical Buddha Shakyamuni with five past Buddhas, a popular association in Tibetan compositions. The Historical Buddha is represented in a monk's patchwork robe, while the Transcendent Buddhas, princelike, are crowned and bejeweled. To the right, another crowned figure, possibly Maitreya, kneels and offers flowers to the ensemble. Each of the seven figures sits in an elaborate throne flanked by pairs of lions surmounted by leogryphs.

© The Metropolitan Museum of Art