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Vajravarahi, or “Diamond Sow,” is red in color and has a sow’s head projecting from the side of her own, her distinguishing feature. In her right hand she brandishes a curved knife and her left holds a skull cup at the heart. In the bend of her left elbow she holds a tantric staff. Above Vajravarahi, King Indrabhuti is flanked by two important figures of the Sakya tradition, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092 1158) and Tsarchen Losel Gyatso (1502 1566).
Vajravarahi
OriginTibet
Date20th century
Dimensions19 1/4 × 13 1/2 in. (estimated)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2006.34.1
Himalayan Art Resources Number65631
DescriptionThis representation of Vajravarahi and her retinue is remarkable for its crisp colors, the figures’ sense of movement, and the large flowers at the edges of the painting. The dancing goddess surrounded by blazing flames is placed in front of a fenced lotus pond within a rather flat, blue-green landscape with snow-capped mountains in the background. Mahakala Brahmarupa is shown below the central figure. Four ogresses from his retinue move in dynamic fury, swathed in different colored smoke. In contrast, the lineage holders on white and blue clouds against a deep blue sky express a sense of equanimity. Vajravarahi, or “Diamond Sow,” is red in color and has a sow’s head projecting from the side of her own, her distinguishing feature. In her right hand she brandishes a curved knife and her left holds a skull cup at the heart. In the bend of her left elbow she holds a tantric staff. Above Vajravarahi, King Indrabhuti is flanked by two important figures of the Sakya tradition, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092 1158) and Tsarchen Losel Gyatso (1502 1566).
Not on view
19th century
Mid-19th century
19th century
15th century
15th century
14th century
20th century
17th or 18th century
12th century
15th century
10th century
19th century