The Fivefold Form of Vajravarahi
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.In this unusual painting, Vajravarahi, identifiable by the sow’s head emerging from her neck, appears five times, corresponding in color to diagrams of the universe that mark its center and cardinal directions. As the consort of Chakrasamvara, the subject of a tantra significant in Tibet, Vajravarahi personifies the concept and power of this tantric practice. Across the top sit mahasiddhas, replacing a monastic lineage, and at the base is a row of dancing dakinis who mirror the pose of Vajravarahi. At lower left is a monastic practitioner who may be the patron, and several other monks appear among the surrounding figures. The volumetric figural type and saturated color palette suggest that a Nepali artisan carried out this early work.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Fivefold Form of Vajravarahi
- Date: late 12th century
- Culture: Tibet
- Medium: Distemper on cloth
- Dimensions: Image: H. 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); W. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
Framed: H. 24 in. (61 cm); W. 18 in. (45.7 cm); Est. wt. 13 lbs. (5.9 kg) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Lent by The Kronos Collections
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art