Dharmapala Standing on a Lion

ca. 16th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253

Dharmapalas, defenders of the dharma, the Buddha’s teachings, represent a category of wrathful guardians essential to the Tibetan system of Buddhism. They are understood to be enlightened beings. This fearsome protector stands astride an equally expressive lion, warding off spiritual dangers.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Dharmapala Standing on a Lion
Date: ca. 16th century
Culture: Tibet
Medium: Stone with traces of gold paint, inlaid with turquoise
Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); D. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, Foundation of Fine Art of the Century Gift, 1985
Object Number: 1985.25
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

In the same gallery

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Twenty-One Emanations of the Goddess Tara, Stone with polychrome, Tibet — Twenty-One Emanations of the Goddess Tara
Tibet
14th century

Buddha with Bodhisattvas Padmapani and Vajrapani

, Fired clay, molded and polychromed, Tibet — Buddha with Bodhisattvas Padmapani and Vajrapani
Tibet
ca. 10th century

Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land (Sukhavati), Distemper with gold on cloth, Central Tibet — Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land (Sukhavati)
Central Tibet
ca. 1700

Sadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and Monks, Distemper, gold and ink on cloth, Tibet — Sadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and Monks
Tibet
late 15th century

Seated Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion, Gilt copper alloy, Tibet or Mongolia — Seated Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion
Tibet or Mongolia
17th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.