Stupa of Complete Enlightenment

Artist

Mongolian (Mongolian)

Date

19th century

Medium

Pigments, gilding on sized cloth

Dimensions

Work : 3 3/8 x 2 3/4 x 3/8 in. (8.57 cm x 6.99 cm x 10 mm)

Credit Line

Gift of David Kamansky and Gerald Wheaton

Object Number

2014.23.351.1.A-C

Label

The Stupa of Complete Enlightenment is one of eight major symbolic stupa forms that appear in Mongolian and Tibetan art. The eight forms can be distinguished from one another by their decorative designs and by the number of levels in their stepped bases. The central niche of this stupa is inscribed with the sacred Sanskrit character oṃ . The reverse side of the painting is inscribed with the five-syllable consecration mantra oṃ āh hūm svā hā.