ticketsMember | Make a donation

Mahasiddhas Virupa and Krishnapa

1429–56
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The Indian mahasiddhas Virupa and Krishnapa are regarded as progenitors of the prominent Sakya school. Central to this sect’s teachings is meditation on the tantric deity Hevajra, who appears here in his sixteen-armed form embracing his companion Nairatmya above the pair. Bordering roundels contain additional mahasiddhas and tantric deities. Likely executed by Newari artists, this painting is from a series depicting mahasiddhas of the esoteric Sakya lamdre (“path and its fruit”) lineage. Their teachings stress the fundamental sameness of tantric practice and enlightened realization. The set was commissioned by the abbot Ngorchen (1382–1456), who founded Ngor monastery in 1429 near the city of Shigatse.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mahasiddhas Virupa and Krishnapa
  • Date: 1429–56
  • Culture: Tibet
  • Medium: Distemper on cloth
  • Dimensions: Framed: 43 1/2 × 40 1/2 in., 19 lb. (110.5 × 102.9 cm); Est. wt. 19 lbs. (8.6 kg)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Lent by the Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert H. Kinney Collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art