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Tangka - Mandala of Vajrasattva

Mandala of Vajrasattva

  • Object:

    Tangka

  • Place of origin:

    Tibet (central or southern)

  • Date:

    ca. 16th century (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown (production)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Gouache on cotton

  • Museum number:

    IS.60-1965

  • Gallery location:

    In Storage

  • Download image

The central figure in this mandala is Vajrasattva (rDorje sem pa in Tibetan), the embodiment of Buddhahood, from which everything in the universe is believed to emanate. The linear scrollwork filling many of the parts of this painting is typical of a school associated with the Sakya monasteries of central and southern Tibet in the 14th to 16th centuries. This and other stylistic features found in these areas are derived from contemporary Nepalese painting. The mobility of both artists and works of art ensured a steady cross-fertilisation of styles, particularly between Nepal and southern Tibet.

Physical description

Tangka, gouache on cotton, with central figure of Vajrasattva, the embodiment of Buddhahood, and decorated with linear scrollwork.

Place of Origin

Tibet (central or southern)

Date

ca. 16th century (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Gouache on cotton

Dimensions

Height: 25.2 cm, Width: 26.7 cm

Historical context note

Vajrasattva (Tib: Dor je sem dpa') is the embodiment of the highest state, the primordial buddha (Adibuddha0 from which everything in the universe emanates. He is represented at the centre of a radiating mandala. The linear scrollwork of this painting is typical of a school associated with the Sakya monasteries of central and southern Tibet in the 14th century, which drew its main inspiration from contemporary Nepalese painting. The mobility of both artists and works of art ensured a steady cross-fertilization of styles, particularly between Nepal and southern Tibet.

Descriptive line

Gouache on cotton, central or southern Tibet, ca.16th century.

Subjects depicted

Scrollwork; Buddhist

Categories

Paintings; Buddhism

Collection code

SSEA

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Qr_O24873
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