Pair of Manuscript Covers, Each with Five Deities

Tibet

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 964

The upper cover shows important Mahayana Buddhist deities: from left to right, the bodhisattvas Vajrapani and Manjushri, the Buddha attaining enlightenment, Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, and Green Tara. These deities represent correct method and practice, enlightenment, compassion, and protection from worldly harm. The lower cover illustrates fierce protective deities—Achala and Marichi at left and Mahapratisara and Mahakala at right—flanking a bodhisattva. Although these esoteric figures appear in north Indian art, they are only grouped together in Tibet.

Pair of Manuscript Covers, Each with Five Deities, Distemper and gilt on wood, Tibet

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Pair of Manuscript Covers, Each with Five Deities, Distemper and gilt on wood, Tibet
Pair of Manuscript Covers, Each with Five Deities, Distemper and gilt on wood, Tibet

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