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Pair of Manuscript Covers with Three Deities and Three Hierarchs

ca. 12th century
Not on view
On the upper cover, Shadakshari Lokesvara is flanked by Maitreya to his right and Avalokiteshvara to his left. Shadakshari is a form of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara who presides over our current age, protecting us and offering a compassionate path to enlightenment. The Dalai Lama is understood to be an incarnation of Shadakshari Lokesvara, and he fosters spiritual knowledge in this form. These three bodhisattvas on the upper cover are paired on the lower cover with Atisha flanked by Tibetan patriarchs, relating the role of these important human figures with those of the divine realm.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of Manuscript Covers with Three Deities and Three Hierarchs
  • Date: ca. 12th century
  • Culture: Tibet
  • Medium: Distemper and gold on wood
  • Dimensions: Overall: 4 1/8 x 14 1/8 in. (10.5 x 35.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Steven Kossak, The Kronos Collections, 1995
  • Object Number: 1995.569.4a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Manuscript Cover with the Buddha Shakyamuni, Attended by Manjushri and Vajrapani

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The Spiritual Master Padmasambhava, Copper alloy with copper and silver inlay, Western Tibet or Ladakh
The Spiritual Master Padmasambhava
Western Tibet or Ladakh
14th century
Buddha Shakyamuni, Brass with colored pigments, Central Tibet
Buddha Shakyamuni
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Thousand-Armed Chenresi, a Cosmic Form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Distemper and gold on cloth, Tibet
Thousand-Armed Chenresi, a Cosmic Form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
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Portrait of the Indian Monk Atisha, Distemper and gold on cloth, Tibet
Portrait of the Indian Monk Atisha
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