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The deity Indra and the Four Guardian Kings
The deity Indra and the Four Guardian Kings

The deity Indra and the Four Guardian Kings

Place of Origin
  • Tibet
Date1800-1900
MaterialsColors on paper with brocade and wood
DimensionsH. 2 11/16 in x W. 18 in, H. 6.8 cm x W. 45.7 cm (image); H. 5 1/4 in x W. 23 1/8 in, H. 13.3 cm x W. 58.7 cm (overall)
Credit LineTransfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Katherine Ball
Object numberB72D64
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsBooks And Manuscripts
On View
Not on view
More Information
Tibetan manuscript covers will often feature figures whose presence is understood to guard the text within. At the center of this manuscript cover, Indra, king of the gods, protects the text from atop his characteristic white elephant. To the left are the guardian kings Virudhaka of the south and Dhritarashtra of the east; Vaishravana of the north with his banner and Virupaksha of the west with his banner complete the set.

Together, these four guardian kings guard the center of the cosmos, especially Mt. Meru—the dwelling place of Indra.