Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1650 · Distemper and gold on blue silk · Asian Art

This black-ground painting is a visualization image of Mahakala as Panjarantha, the enlightened protector of Buddhism. He tramples a male corpse beneath his feet and displays a flaying knife (kartrika) in his right hand and a skull cup (kapala) in his left, implements for cutting through delusions and ignorance. A ritual wand (gandi) is balanced in the crooks of his arms. Panjaranatha is understood as the “original” Mahakala from which all other manifestations emanate. Several of the latter, along with the deity’s associates, surround him, including Brahmarupa (the “lesser Mahakala,” at left), blowing a thighbone trumpet, and Palden Lhamo (Mahakala’s consort), riding her mule. In the upper corners are two hierarchs of the Sakya lineage, over which Mahakala presides as their principal protector, and below his fearful retinue dances macabrely.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1650

Medium

Distemper and gold on blue silk

Culture

Tibet

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Bequest of Nina Bunshaft, by exchange, and funds from various donors, 2006