TIBET, XVIIIEME SIECLE

Encompassed by flickering flames he stands in samapada on Ganesha placed on a lotus dais. His principle hands holding the ritual chopper and blood-filled skull. The other four with drum, rosary, staff and lasso. The spiritual teacher directly above him was identified by Amy Heller (page 111) as ‘Khyung po rnal ‘byor, the founder of the bKa brgyud pa order in the early part of the tenth century. He is flanked by Naropa (ca.956 - ca.1040) and his sister Ni gu ma holding the drum and skull. Above them is placed Vajradhara. Both upper corners see Samvara in sexual union with Vajravarahi with opposite Hayagriva and below them various dakini’s. The lower register shows various protective deities. Many of the depicted deities are inscribed with unfortunate mainly illegible names in gold.