TIBET, FIN DU XIVEME SIECLE

The large central mandala dominates the composition of this painting with the white Mahapratisara occupying the centre. She is surrounded by the other four members of the Pancharaksha group, namely Mahasahasrapramardini, Mahamantranushrarini, Mahamayuri and Mahasitavati each interlinked by an offering flask. These five female deities are invoked to ward off evil, destroy enemies, and to prevent and cure illness. They are surrounded by various deities belonging to their retinue. All are placed on lotus petals within the square palace with a gate to each side protected by a guardian, each clad in a Central Asian attire. Bands of lotus petals and purifying fire encircle the palace. The four corners are occupied by Buddha Shakyamuni, Amitayus and a pair of Taras, each flanked by monks and auspicious Buddhist symbols. The upper border sees Buddha Shakyamuni flanked by Vajrapani, a turban clad figure and various Sakya.pa lamas. The lower register has an offering scene of a female worshipper flanked by various deities including a local divinity, Shri Devi, various forms of Vaishravana, the bodhisattvas Sadaksharilokeshvara and Manjushri, two Taras, Vajrapani, Parshnavari and Ushnishavijaya.

The reverse of this painting sees the three-syllable consecratory mantra 'om ah hum' in Lantsha script along the upper and lower border, and in a circular pattern in the centre.

The mandala is most probably painted in the southern regions of Tibet where the Sakya.pa order had their strongholds. Comparing the painting with other, similar examples, a late fourteenth century date for its creation seems plausible.