Mahakala/Bhairava with Buddhas, Ganesha, Karttikeya, Achala, and Devotees
Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese
Geography:
Made in Nepal, Asia
Date:
Late 16th centuryMedium:
Colors on clothDimensions:
Image: 19 1/2 x 16 1/4 inches (49.5 x 41.3 cm) Frame: 27 1/8 x 23 3/4 x 2 3/16 inches (68.9 x 60.3 x 5.6 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
1963-141-1Credit Line:
Gift of Stella Kramrisch, 1963
Made in Nepal, Asia
Date:
Late 16th centuryMedium:
Colors on clothDimensions:
Image: 19 1/2 x 16 1/4 inches (49.5 x 41.3 cm) Frame: 27 1/8 x 23 3/4 x 2 3/16 inches (68.9 x 60.3 x 5.6 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1963-141-1Credit Line:
Gift of Stella Kramrisch, 1963
Label:
Newar religious practice employs a unique mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements. The five transcendental buddhas at the top of this painting and Achala (the blue-skinned Buddhist protector at the bottom center) are joined by deities more often affiliated with Hinduism. These include the elephant-headed Ganesha and dancing Karttikeya, who flank their father, Shiva, in his form as Mahakala/Bhairava. Another important feature of Newar art and practice is the depiction and participation of both men and women devotees. In the lower two registers seventeen men (in white-and-red-striped outfits) and seven women (in Malla period red skirts with white-and-blue stripes) offer flowers. Also typical of the Malla period are the shapes of Mahakala's triangular eyebrows, his neatly trimmed moustache and beard, and his round, full eyes.
Newar religious practice employs a unique mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements. The five transcendental buddhas at the top of this painting and Achala (the blue-skinned Buddhist protector at the bottom center) are joined by deities more often affiliated with Hinduism. These include the elephant-headed Ganesha and dancing Karttikeya, who flank their father, Shiva, in his form as Mahakala/Bhairava. Another important feature of Newar art and practice is the depiction and participation of both men and women devotees. In the lower two registers seventeen men (in white-and-red-striped outfits) and seven women (in Malla period red skirts with white-and-blue stripes) offer flowers. Also typical of the Malla period are the shapes of Mahakala's triangular eyebrows, his neatly trimmed moustache and beard, and his round, full eyes.
