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A table of Tantric ritual implements sits above Naropa wedged between the branches of a tree. A remarkable amount of detail is polished into the gold surface of the bell. Unusual attention is given to the diverse offerings set up to the right of the throne, including a plate of five different meats: human, elephant, horse, dog, and cow, which are considered taboo by mundane beings.
Mahasiddha Naropa
OriginKham Province, Eastern Tibet
Date19th century
Dimensions52 1/4 × 33 1/8 × 1 in.
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Purchased from the Collection of Navin Kumar, New York
Object numberC2005.20.4
Himalayan Art Resources Number65496
DescriptionIn this painting the great Tantric adept (mahasiddha) Naropa sits gazing up at a red dakini flying in a dynamic pose in the upper-right corner. The composition is characterized by a striking mixture of naturalistic and stylized elements. While the foliage and birds are quite naturally rendered, Naropa’s throne is brightly painted, unusually geometric, and highly stylized. This stands out starkly with the equally formalized ink monochrome tree trunk, with its writhing pink vines that look like intestines.A table of Tantric ritual implements sits above Naropa wedged between the branches of a tree. A remarkable amount of detail is polished into the gold surface of the bell. Unusual attention is given to the diverse offerings set up to the right of the throne, including a plate of five different meats: human, elephant, horse, dog, and cow, which are considered taboo by mundane beings.
ca. second quarter of 15th century
15th century
13th century
16th century
14th century
15th century
ca.1500
19th century
16th century
12th century
20th century