Mahasiddha, Possibly Campaka, the Flower King

early 14th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253

A wide-eyed mahasiddha plays cymbals and sings ecstatically. Such yogis belong to an Indian tradition of eccentric practitioners of Tantrism, much revered in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. Mahasiddhas were instrumental in introducing the meditation system perfected by the Dzogchen masters of the Nyingma order, founded by Padmasambhava in the eighth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information

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References

Title: Mahasiddha, Possibly Campaka, the Flower King
Date: early 14th century
Culture: Tibet
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: H. 7 in. (17.8 cm); W. 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm); D. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, Florence and Herbert Irving Gift and Rogers Fund, 2003
Object Number: 2003.376
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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