Indian and Himalayan Art Damarupada, Avadhutipada, Gayadhara and La-chen Drog-mi with Sakya Lineage Made in central Tibet, Tibet, AsiaSakya, c. 15th century Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan Colors on cloth * Gallery 232, Asian Art, second floor 1970-198-1 Purchased with the New Members Fund, 1970 |
LabelThis painting shows four groups of figures that are particularly important for the Sakya order. The followers of Sakya believe the three small figures at the top—the Bodhisattva of Wisdom (left), the Buddha (center), and Nagarjuna (right)—taught and inspired the four central figures Virupa (c. 800–850), Tilopa (988–1069), Gayadhara, and Drogmi. It was through the Tibetan translator Drogmi that Indian Buddhist teachings were transmitted to the nine small Tibetan lamas in the lower half of the painting. The fierce coupling deities in the center (Guhyasamaja above and Hevajra below) refer to specific teachings within Buddhism emphasized by these scholars.Social Tags [?]excellent label [x] inconsistent title and label [x] poor photo [x] thangka [x] [Add Your Own Tags]* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
