TIBET, XVIIIEME SIECLE

The pre-Tibetan Buddhist origins of Shri Devi, (Tib. Palden Lhamo), can be traced back to the Brahmanic goddess Durga. In Tibet she is the only goddess amongst the eight defenders of the faith. Here she is depicted holding staff and skull cup. She is accompanied by Makaravaktra (with an elephant snout) and Simhavaktra (with a lion’s head). Also present are the four Goddesses of the Seasons at the lower register with a donor making offers in front of them. They are Vasanti Rajni riding a mule, Varsha Rajni on a buffalo, Sharad Rajni on a goat and Hemanta Rajni on a camel. The group is followed by Yama standing on a buffalo. The upper part of the painting sees four lamas and another five divinities riding each an animal.
This extremely unusual, rare and beautiful painting portrays Shri Devi in her secret mansion placed on a sea of blood from which she is summoned during her rituals of protection. The judicious use of vivid colours contrast well against the black background.