TIBET, XVIIIEME SIECLE

This striking nag thang painting shows the esoteric four-armed manifestation of Shri Devi. Both she and accompanying figures are finely drawn in gold with a minimal use of colour resulting in an overwhelming effect when viewed in the mgon khang by flickering lights of butter lamps. It’s importance is enhanced by the fact that all depicted figures are finely inscribed in gold with their name. She sits astride her mule trotting over a sea of blood encircled by a mountain range. Her principle hands hold skull and a peacock feather. Both other hands brandish the sword and trident. Above her is placed Buddha Shakyamuni flanked by the four season divinities. The lower register sees twelve female divinities forming the group of brTan ma riding each a different animal.