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In contrast to metal objects, sculptures made from more malleable materials, such as clay and papier-mâché, are often lively, a character further enhanced by their colorful painting. This impressive image has mainly been carved from wood, but many minute details have been modeled using materials such as papier-mâché and leather, an additive technique that is a characteristic of Mongolian sculpture. Particularly remarkable details here include the use of gilding on the nose and cheeks to the wrathful expression of the face, the individualization of each head on the garland she wears, and the careful delineation of the hair on the mule she rides.
Makzor Gyelmo, Queen Who Repels Armies
OriginTibet or Mongolia
Date19th century
Dimensions25 1/2 × 15 1/4 × 10 1/8 in.
MediumWood, wire armature, papier-mâché, leather, glue, with pigments and gilding
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2002.38.1
Himalayan Art Resources Number65251
DescriptionMagzor Gyalmo, or the Queen that Repels Armies, is a specific form of the principal female protector deity of Tibet, Palden Lhamo.In contrast to metal objects, sculptures made from more malleable materials, such as clay and papier-mâché, are often lively, a character further enhanced by their colorful painting. This impressive image has mainly been carved from wood, but many minute details have been modeled using materials such as papier-mâché and leather, an additive technique that is a characteristic of Mongolian sculpture. Particularly remarkable details here include the use of gilding on the nose and cheeks to the wrathful expression of the face, the individualization of each head on the garland she wears, and the careful delineation of the hair on the mule she rides.
19th century
18th century
early 20th century
18th century
19th century
19th century
17th - 18th century
19th century
early 19th century