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Indian and Himalayan Art Sakya Raktayamari Initiation with Lineage and Landscape Made in Tibetan Autonomous Region, China Sakya monastic order, c. late 17th - 18th century Artist/maker unknown, Tibet Colors on cloth; cloth mounting Image: 24 1/2 x 18 1/2 inches (62.2 x 47 cm) Mount: 46 x 24 1/2 inches (116.8 x 62.2 cm) Currently not on view 1959-38-2 Gift of Stella Kramrisch, 1959 |
Gallery LabelThis extraordinary painting depicts a monastic initiation into the worship of Raktayamari, the red-skinned, life-prolonging deity at top center. The central monk officiates, pouring a golden libation on the initiate seated in the lower-left corner. Table altars placed in front of both figures are set with ritual items. Bolts of silk, stacks of books, a bundle of rolled paintings, and stuffed brown sacks-given by the initiate to finance this expensive ritual-surround the young monk. In the lower-right corner rides the protective goddess Paldan Lhamo with her pair of dice, a disease-filled bag, and a magic thread ball that she uses to determine the lifespan of individuals. |
