Painted Banner (Thangka) of Bodhisattva Maitreya Surrounded by his Retinue
Unknown
16th century
Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on cotton
Dimensions
50.2 × 39.7 cm (19 3/4 × 15 5/8 in.)
Classification
tankas (scrolls or banners)
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
144918
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...