How you can use this image
Public Domain
This image has been assigned a Public Domain Mark and is free to use with unrestricted use.
Please acknowledge the Collection who own the work with a photo credit — this helps spread the word about their resources.
To learn more about images and rights, please see our image use page.
DownloadNotes
Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.
The subject of this painting is Vajrabhairava (Tibetan rDo-rje 'Jigs-byed; Dor je jig je; Dorje Jikje; 'The Fear-Inspiring One'). He is one of the forms of Yamāntaka, the 'destroyer of death whose name is Yama'. In this set of 15 Rgyan Tshogs (offering-scene murals), Vajrabhairava is the central deity. From the inscription on the top of the back of the banner, it is clear that it is Vajrabhairava and that his is the central position in the temple, with seven banners on the left-hand side and seven banners on the right-hand side. Vajrabhairava is a meditational deity rather than a protector, and the 14 protector deities around him are present to safeguard the spiritual accomplishments which he confers through meditation.
Title
Attributes of rDo-rje 'Jigs-byed (Sanskrit Vajrabhairava, 'The Fear-Inspiring One') in a 'Rgyan tshogs' Banner
Medium
distemper on linen
Measurements
H 62 x W 49 cm
Accession number
47065i
Acquisition method
presumed to be part of the collection formed by Henry S. Wellcome
Work type
Banner