On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Mahasiddhas Virupa and Krishnapa
The Indian mahasiddhas Virupa and Krishnapa are regarded as progenitors of the prominent Sakya school. Central to this sect’s teachings is meditation on the tantric deity Hevajra, who appears here in his sixteen-armed form embracing his companion Nairatmya above the pair. Bordering roundels contain additional mahasiddhas and tantric deities. Likely executed by Newari artists, this painting is from a series depicting mahasiddhas of the esoteric Sakya lamdre (“path and its fruit”) lineage. Their teachings stress the fundamental sameness of tantric practice and enlightened realization. The set was commissioned by the abbot Ngorchen (1382–1456), who founded Ngor monastery in 1429 near the city of Shigatse.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
