TIBET, XVIIIEME SIECLE

This powerful painting portrays the gruesome four-armed Mahakala holding the ritual chopper and blood-filled skull in his principle hands. Both secondary hands brandish the sword and trident. He is decorated with snake-ornaments and wears a tiger-skirt. The leaking flames of the halo, though schematized executed, still have a great vigour. Just above him is visible a manifestation of him holding an imposing club. To both sides of the lotus base are each a protective divinity with below Simhavaktra. Surrounding Caturbhujamahakala are the eight animal-headed dakinis dancing amidst flames or clouds.