Vaishravana, the Guardian of Buddhism and Protector of Riches
Vaishravana is a complex deity who embodies many strands of Buddhist thought and belief. Tibetans understand him foremost as the primary guardian of the cardinal directions (lokapala), associated with the north. In this role he serves as a protector (dharmapala) of Buddhist law. Here, he sits on his snow-lion mount, accompanied by his eight generals, the Lords of the Horses (asvapati). Dressed as a warrior-king in full armor, he wears high boots that allude to his Central Asian connections. Vaishravana is principally represented in Tibet in mural programs from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, such as those preserved at the Shalu and Gyantse monasteries. Versions on cloth of this scale and pictorial sophistication are extremely rare.
Artwork Details
- Title: Vaishravana, the Guardian of Buddhism and Protector of Riches
- Date: 15th century
- Culture: Tibet
- Medium: Distemper on cloth
- Dimensions: Image: H. 32 in. (81.3 cm); W. 29 1/8 in. (73.9 cm)
Framed: H. 41 in. (104.1 cm); 37 1/2 in. (95.3 cm); D. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, by exchange, 2021
- Object Number: 2021.290
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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late 15th century
ca. 1500
1450–1500
1450–1500
late 16th century
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