Vairocana thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Vairocana

Shrine
14th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is a relief image of Vairochana, the central figure in the mandala of the five transcendent meditational Buddhas. Each Buddha in the Tibetan tradition has a symbol, colour and directional location, and each is associated with the transformation of a negativity into an aspect of wisdom. Vairochana is associated with the transformation of anger, has the wheel as his symbol and is shown, as here, making the Dharmachakra, the gesture (or mudra) of teaching. The image is an early one and, together with the throne surround decorated with elephants and mythical animals, still shows affinities to north and east Indian art of the Pala dynasty.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleVairocana (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved wood with gilding and lacquer
Brief description
Shrine with figure of Vairocana, carved wood with gilding and lacquer, Tibet, 14th century
Physical description
Shrine with figure of Vairocana, carved wood with gilding and lacquer.
Dimensions
  • Height: 20.3cm
Marks and inscriptions
(It has an inscription in Tibetan on the back. )
Gallery label
Vairochana 1300–1400 Of the five meditational Buddhas worshipped in Tibet, Vairochana was the central and most important. He represents emptiness (a quality of enlightenment) and helps vanquish ignorance. This depiction is based on Indian prototypes. The throne back is formed by elephants and rearing mythical creatures (yalis). Above there is a protective kirttimukha head. Painted and partly gilded wood Tibet Museum no. IM.20-1910(14/06/2011)
Credit line
Purchased from J.C. Stevens, 38 King Street, Covent Garden
Object history
Bought on June 1st 1910 for £1.15, from J.C. Stevens, 38 King Street, Covent Garden. Purchased with objects 21 to 28-1910.
Historical context
Vairocana is the eldest of the meditation Buddhas, derived from spiritual aspects of the historical Buddha. He is associated with the sun and is probably descended from an early solar deity. He is attended by elephants and rearing mythical creatures (yalis).
A monstrous kirttimukha hovers above to deter disbelievers and to protect the faithful.
Subject depicted
Summary
This is a relief image of Vairochana, the central figure in the mandala of the five transcendent meditational Buddhas. Each Buddha in the Tibetan tradition has a symbol, colour and directional location, and each is associated with the transformation of a negativity into an aspect of wisdom. Vairochana is associated with the transformation of anger, has the wheel as his symbol and is shown, as here, making the Dharmachakra, the gesture (or mudra) of teaching. The image is an early one and, together with the throne surround decorated with elephants and mythical animals, still shows affinities to north and east Indian art of the Pala dynasty.
Bibliographic references
  • G.Beguin, 1977, no.46
  • Tibetan art / John Lowry. London: H. M. Stationery Office, 1973 p. 43. pl. 16
Collection
Accession number
IM.20-1910

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Record createdFebruary 13, 2000
Record URL
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