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In the center of this painting are the three main meditation deities of the Geluk School, namely Vajrabhairava flanked by Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra (left) and Chakrasamvara (right). The latter two deities are represented at the height of the flames, and they appear to the monk and siddha in rock hermitages underneath them. At the top are four triads emphasizing different teachings of the Geluk tradition as interpreted by Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), the founder of the tradition, seen at the center of the lower-center triad. Around the lotus of the main figure are three forms of Mahakala and Yama Dharmaraja, and underneath them are deities of wealth and protection.
Vajrabhairava with Consort Vajravetali
OriginCentral Tibet
Datelate 18th century
Dimensions42 3/4 x 29 1/4 x 2 1/4 in. (108.6 x 74.3 x 5.7 cm)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Dr. David Nalin
Object numberC2013.11.4
DescriptionIn this painting of Vajrabhairava, colorful figures are placed against a black background with very few landscape features indicated. The composition is strictly symmetrical, as each figure has considerable space of its own. Slight overlaps nevertheless create a sense of dimensionality, and the undulating tails of clouds indicate movement. Rather than presenting a unified landscape that brings the figures together, here flowers, halos, clouds, and lotuses are used to separate the figures. Even the charming vignettes of cave hermitages at the sides of the painting are isolated elements within the composition.In the center of this painting are the three main meditation deities of the Geluk School, namely Vajrabhairava flanked by Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra (left) and Chakrasamvara (right). The latter two deities are represented at the height of the flames, and they appear to the monk and siddha in rock hermitages underneath them. At the top are four triads emphasizing different teachings of the Geluk tradition as interpreted by Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), the founder of the tradition, seen at the center of the lower-center triad. Around the lotus of the main figure are three forms of Mahakala and Yama Dharmaraja, and underneath them are deities of wealth and protection.
Not on view
19th century
19th century
19th century
18th - 19th century
18th century
ca. second quarter of 15th century
1736–1795
19th century
19th century
late 19th century
18th - 19th century
ca. late 18th - early 19th century