Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A lovely votive shrine figure known as a tsa tsa mold-formed from unfired clay to depict the image of Amitayus enveloped in lustrous gilding. Also known as the Buddha of Infinite Life, Amitayus is shown here seated in lotus position atop a double lotus throne and surrounded by an elaborate mandorla. Amitayus is an emanation of Amitabha, who is the head of the Lotus family and known as the Buddha of Infinite Light. Though Amitayus and Abitabha are essentially identical and seen as reflective images of one another, Amitayus can be distinguished by his 5-pointed crown as seen here. Tsa tsa plaques like this one are commonly left as votive offerings at special places, such as in caves considered to be holy, or deposited as consecration fillings inside stupas. Size: 2.2" L x 3.7" W x 5.8" H (5.6 cm x 9.4 cm x 14.7 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#185082

Chipping to peripheries and base of verso, as well as perforation to center of verso. Light surface wear as shown, but, otherwise, intact with good detail and nice remaining gilding.