Untitled

Unknown

late 13th–early 14th century · Distemper on wood · Asian Art

This panel survives from one of the finest ritual crowns of the high period of Tibetan painting. Guarding the base of Vairocana’s crown are lions which also serve as his vehicle. Vairocana, who presides over the five Transcendent Buddhas, makes the esoteric bodhyagri gesture while holding a thunderbolt (vajra) scepter in his right hand. He wears a multi-tiered crown which is broadly contemporary.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 13th–early 14th century

Medium

Distemper on wood

Culture

Tibet

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 1997