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The guardians Yama and Yami
The guardians Yama and Yami

The guardians Yama and Yami

Place of Origin
  • China
Date1800-1900
MaterialsColors on cotton
DimensionsH. 23 15/16 in x W. 15 3/8 in, H. 60.8 cm x W. 39.1 cm (image); H. 45 1/2 in x W. 24 in, H. 115.6 cm x W. 61.0 cm (overall)
Credit LineTransfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Katherine Ball
Object numberB72D57
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
More Information

Yama is one of the eight Guardians of the Law. He and his sister are standing above a buffalo, who lies on top of a prostrate man. Yama's attributes are a snare and a skull club attached with a flayed human skin. Sixteen acolytes, shown on both sides, brandish various weapons. The three figures presiding on top are, from left to right: Tsong-kha-pa, founder of the Gelug Sect, Vajrabhairava, conqueror of Yana, and possibly the Sixth Panchen Lama.

This particular form of Yama, known as the "Outer form," is a special protector of Tsong-kha-pa.