Untitled

Unknown

ca. late 11th century · Distemper and gilt on wood · Asian Art

The upper cover shows important Mahayana Buddhist deities: from left to right, the bodhisattvas Vajrapani and Manjushri, the Buddha attaining enlightenment, Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, and Green Tara. These deities represent correct method and practice, enlightenment, compassion, and protection from worldly harm. The lower cover illustrates fierce protective deities—Achala and Marichi at left and Mahapratisara and Mahakala at right—flanking a bodhisattva. Although these esoteric figures appear in north Indian art, they are only grouped together in Tibet.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. late 11th century

Medium

Distemper and gilt on wood

Culture

Tibet

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Jeffrey Kossak, The Kronos Collections, 2020