Pair of Buddhist Manuscript Covers

16th–17th century

Not on view

Carved deeply into these wooden manuscript covers are three shrine-niches occupied by multiarmed tantric female deities wielding an array of ritual utensils and weapons. They are flanked by kneeling donor figures (above) and by Ganesha and a gana (below). This type of cover would have protected a paper manuscript, presumably one devoted to a Tantric Hindu text.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Pair of Buddhist Manuscript Covers
Date: 16th–17th century
Culture: Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
Medium: Polychrome and gold on wood
Dimensions: 4 1/4 x 16 7/8 in. (10.8 x 42.9 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Eisenberg, 1981
Object Number: 1981.464.2–.3
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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