Untitled

Unknown

12th century · Ink and color on palm leaf · Asian Art

This manuscript painting does not illustrate the adjacent doctrinal text but instead brings auspiciousness and acts to protect the collected body of Buddhist writings. The Wrathful Protector Mahakala As Avalokiteshvara’s ferocious manifestation, Mahakala (The Great Black One) rids the world of corruption and protects the monastic community as well as the Buddha’s teachings (the dharma). In this early depiction, he is surrounded by a flaming halo and wears a garland of severed heads

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th century

Medium

Ink and color on palm leaf

Culture

India, Bihar or West Bengal

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Anonymous Gift, 1985