Mahakala Seated in Royal Ease
Mahakala, a fierce manifestation of the compassionate bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, is the supreme guardian of the Buddhist dharma (teachings) for the Sakya monastic order. His wrathful nature destroys all negative forces impeding spiritual awakening. Here Mahakala is seated on a prostrate corpse, symbolizing the ignorance he destroys and displaying the tools he uses to achieve this end.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mahakala Seated in Royal Ease
- Date: 12th century
- Culture: Tibet
- Medium: Stone with polychrome
- Dimensions: H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); W. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm); D. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.500.4.17
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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14th century
12th century
14th century
11th–12th century
12th century
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