Untitled

Unknown

ca. 14th century · Terracotta · Asian Art

Operating outside monastic precincts, mahasiddhas were advanced tantric practitioners from all walks of society. Kirapalapa, shown here holding a sword and a shield, was a warrior-king before pursuing a path of nonviolence and compassion. Despite his fine dhoti and jewels, he is portrayed in the wilderness under a tree like an ascetic. Kirapalapa was initiated to the deity Chakrasamvara and, after twelve years of meditation under his yogi’s guidance, achieved a siddhi (attainment or knowledge).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 14th century

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Seymour Fund, and Bernice Richard and Anonymous Gifts, 1983