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Pair of Manuscript Covers, Each with Five Deities

ca. late 11th century
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of Manuscript Covers, Each with Five Deities
  • Date: ca. late 11th century
  • Culture: Tibet
  • Medium: Distemper and gilt on wood
  • Dimensions: Each: 4 1/4 × 22 in. (10.8 × 55.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Jeffrey Kossak, The Kronos Collections, 2020
  • Object Number: 2020.290a, b
  • Rights and Reproduction: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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