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Vajradhara
OriginTibet
Date18th century
Dimensions36 1/2 x 28 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (92.7 x 72.4 x 5.7 cm)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
Object numberC2006.66.676
Himalayan Art Resources Number384
DescriptionVajradhara is shown embracing his consort, who sits on his lap, symbolizing the union of method (male) and wisdom (female). The same symbolism applies to his attributes vajra (male) and bell (female). His blue color is often associated with the sky. He presides over the eighty-four mahasiddhas, whose teachings are generally classified as the Highest Yoga Tantra. As an a primordial buddha (adibuddha), Vajradhara is thought to encompass each of the Five Buddhas.Not on view
ca. 1415-1435
1736–1795
mid-19th century
13th century
early to mid-14th century
18th century
late 18th - early 19th century
19th century