Who painted Tejaprabhā Buddha and the Five Planets?

Tejaprabhā Buddha and the Five Planets was painted by Unknown in 899.

Where can I see Tejaprabhā Buddha and the Five Planets?

Tejaprabhā Buddha and the Five Planets is held by British Museum.

Artwork

Tejaprabhā Buddha and the Five Planets

Tejaprabhā Buddha and the Five Planets is an ink painting by Unknown. It dates from 899 and is held in the collection of the British Museum. The work is a silk painting depicting a seated, Buddha‑like figure on a raised platform.

About this work

Overview

The work is a silk painting depicting a seated, Buddha‑like figure on a raised platform. The central figure is clothed in a red robe, topped with a blue headdress, and is accompanied by a large fan positioned behind them. Surrounding the platform are additional figures, some bearing objects and wearing ornate headgear, all rendered in vivid reds, blues and golds against a warm beige background.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a ceremonial scene in which the central, enlightened figure appears to preside over a gathering, possibly representing a Buddhist teaching or ritual. The inclusion of a fan and the surrounding attendants suggests a courtly or devotional context, emphasizing the authority and reverence accorded to the central deity.

Technique & Style

Executed on silk, the painting employs flat areas of saturated colour and precise outlines typical of South‑Asian textile art. The use of gold highlights and contrasting hues creates a sense of opulence, while the simplified shading suggests an emphasis on symbolic representation rather than naturalistic depth.

History & Provenance

The silk panel is part of the British Museum’s collection, acquired through the museum’s acquisitions of Asian artworks. Its precise origin and date are not detailed in the available record, but the stylistic attributes align it with traditional Buddhist visual culture.

Context

Works of this type were commonly produced for religious or courtly settings, serving as visual aids for devotional practice or as decorative objects in temples and palaces. The depiction of a Buddha‑like figure surrounded by attendants reflects the integration of Buddhist iconography with local artistic conventions.