TIBET, FIN DU XVIEME SIECLE

This rare painting has four mandalas of which three depict dakini's and one possibly a Heruka group. Unfortunately the condition of the painting does not permit more precise identification. All deities are placed within a square palace encircled by lotus petals and a band of purifying flames. An enthroned Sakya lama occupies the centre. To one side is depicted a monastery while to the other side a white clad figure is placed within a grotto. The upper register sees the red Raktayamari embracing his consort Vajravetali and brandishing a rod while standing on the buffalo. Raktamayari is a wrathful form of Manjushri, the god of Wisdom and popular amongst followers of the Sakya order. The lower border has another protective deity but unfortunately its condition makes it impossible to identify him with certainty. All scenes are placed in a rather Chinese landscape composition with green and blue mountain formation, typical for the Ming period. Most probably the painting was created in the eastern parts of Tibet during the late sixteenth century.